A variety of memes like this have popped up around the issue.
Some people hate those self-service registers. It isn’t always faster to use them, and they make mistakes too. Half the time I use a self-checkout register I need to get an employee’s help anyway! Some people like the personal contact and help a cashier provides. Even though I am introverted, I have come to enjoy talking with “my” regular cashiers as I check out. When our local Aldi’s put in self-serve kiosks, I was concerned they would take jobs from some great people.
Research shows that while self-service gas pumps are preferred by a great majority of people, grocery store self-service registers are not as universally appreciated. For this and other reasons, stores like Walmart are going back to having more human cashiers.
Cathy raised the self-service register debate in order to bring up a broader question. Is it better to be served or to serve ourselves?
Clearly Jesus taught us to serve others. On Sunday our scripture read “For even the Son of Man (that is, Jesus) did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). When we celebrate the Last Supper during Holy Week, we remember the story of Jesus washing the dirty feet of His disciples before they ate together. It was a clear example Jesus gave of the importance of serving others.
But Jesus wasn’t opposed to being served. Jesus had His disciples arrange the meal they had together. After they ate Jesus asked His friends to be with Him as He prayed in the garden before He left to give His life for them and us.
Is it better to take care of ourselves or want others to help us? One of my favorite memes is a response to an either/or question. It shows a little girl's answer when asked if the family should have hard or soft taco shells. Then it shows the family's response. In our family the question would be if we should have cookies or cake for dessert. My response is the same as her family's!
So, should we help ourselves or should we get help from others?
It is nice to be able to take care of ourselves. But it is even better for us to know the blessing of taking care of each other.