The Power of Suggestion

This spring has marked another epic chapter for our family. Two more of our grandchildren are now gainfully employed with part-time jobs! Klay, fifteen-years-old, is making pizza, subs, and salads at Dion's in New Mexico, and seventeen-year-old, Cam is taking orders (via the speaker!) for chili dogs, smash burgers, and shakes. He is also serving as an occasional carhop, cleaning the ice cream machine, and doing other duties as assigned at the Sonic Drive-In. Leander, Texas. The grands are growing up and moving on!

Cam, Our Sonic Man!

Cam took to his new job like the proverbial “duck to water!” He has been flexing his “cooking muscles” since taking Culinary Arts during his sophomore year. He received a “Food Handler’s License” after completing the class. At home, he can manage the toaster oven and any pan like a professional! Made from scratch Cheddar Bay Biscuits and Fettuccine Alfredo with homemade noodles are his specialties!

There is another dimension of fast-food restaurants that Cam has learned. When taking orders, he is required to draw from a memorized script that reminds the customers, “Don’t forget about our sunrise happy hour from open to 10am.” And this one, from which I recently fell prey, “And would you like to add a pretzel?” This is a well-practiced technique to encourage impulse ordering!

I like to pop into one of our local Sonics during the summer months to get one of my favorite refreshers, a large diet Cherry Limeade with extra cherries! Recently, I had our granddaughter in the car who just got off work at Scheels Sporting Goods. Chloe was hungry for some crispy tater tots! So, we were on our way to Sonic for both of us!

I pulled up, ordered my drink, and then, of course, the employee suggested, “And would you like a pretzel, too?” Chloe answered for me over my initial protest, “Yes, Poppi, you do! And add cheese to that!” The snack bill was increasing with upcharges each second as we hovered over the speaker! I thought I heard the guy on the other end exclaim, “Ka-Jing!”

Are you ever snookered by the “power of suggestion?” I know that this phrase has some psychological applications, but I’m using it in the context of being “pitched” an idea or simple suggestion that is so tempting that it soon becomes reality. That’s what happened at Sonic and during so many other instances. It has one thinking, “Why didn’t I think of that? Nothing goes better with a soft hot pretzel than cheesy cheese sauce! Right?” This kind of suggestion may be largely harmless, but it is still something that tempts those impulsive behaviors.

There is another level of suggestion that is spiritually preferable. I’m suggesting (pun intended!) the power of Scripture, prompted by the Holy Spirit, who indwells every believer. This is needed when the situation calls for wisdom and guidance. Turn your thoughts to God’s many promises in the Bible. They deliver a wholesome and beneficial alternative to what the world offers.

Do you need assurance that your prayers are heard and answered? Consider… “And we are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him.” (1 John 5:14, NLT). Do you need strength and help? Here’s another promise… “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you by my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10).

We contend with many voices and suggestions in our daily lives. But let’s listen for those promptings from God’s many promises! He longs to affirm and direct all His children!

Mike Keppler, retired pastor,
active churchman and
doting grandparent.
Contact: drmjkeppler@gmail.com
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