This week we will continue to outline the rules of etiquette for cell phone usage while at work. We will also address courtesy when it comes to cell phones in places of worship.
4. Find a private place to make cell phone calls. While it’s okay to use your cell phone at work for private calls during breaks, don’t stay at your desk. Find somewhere else to talk, where your conversation can’t be overheard, even if what you’re discussing isn’t personal. You may be on a break but your co-workers have a job to do.
5. Don’t bring your cell phone into the restroom. Ever. This rule should apply to using your cell phone at work or anywhere. Why? Well, if you must ask — you never know who’s in there; the person on the other end of the line will hear bathroom sounds, e.g., toilets flushing; not to mention an invasion of your co-worker’s privacy.
6. Don’t bring your cell phone to meetings. Even if you have your cell phone set to vibrate, if you receive a call you will be tempted to see who it’s from. This is not only rude, it is a clear signal to your boss that your mind isn’t 100 percent on your job. All calls can wait until your meeting is over or until there is a break. Remember, there was a time before we had cell phones.
Cell phones in worship
In worship, many people use their cell phones to search for scriptures, or to make notes on the sermon, however, nothing is more annoying than having a cell phone ring during worship services. It is recognized that there are some professions that requires one to be available at all times. Even in that instance, the cell phone has a vibrate button. Setting one’s phone on vibrate allows a person to have their phone on, however, when a call is received, it vibrates instead of ringing. If you must bring your cell phone to worship, then it would be a sign of respect to your fellow parishioners to turn it off or set it on vibrate. A ringing cell phone in worship while others are praying is quite disturbing. Many churches, in fact, have instructed their greeters and ushers to remind parishioners as they enter worship to turn off their cell phones or use the vibrate feature.
So, what do you do if you get a sudden and unexpected call in worship? If your phone rings in worship and it is from God, then you should answer it. But if it is not God, and it is not an emergency, it is only a distraction from the devil, and you should ignore it!
Next Week: Conclusion: Steps to Avoid Offending Others
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