My Journey Toward A Trusting Heart

Customer or Client? -- article

Have you ever thought about the difference between a client and a customer? I’ve thought about this in the past and decided its time to sort this out and see how it fits in with LIFE.

The definitions of client and customer are almost interchangeable. According to Merriam-Webster, a “client” is: “a person who engages the professional advice or services of another.” Similarly, a “customer” is: “one that purchases a commodity or service.”   

When I stop by the convenience store for a soda, I’m a customer. There is little, if any, personal exchange between myself and the clerk. It doesn’t matter which clerk rings up my purchases. The service they provide is not particularly skilled so it is not critical who makes the sale. As a customer, I can usually find many places that will meet my needs. I can buy gasoline, soda, snacks or whatever at almost ANY convenience or grocery store. The service provided to me is almost always the same. The only time I am really dissatisfied is when I walk in to my nearest convenience store and find that the Diet Coke machine is out of order!

On the other hand, as a client I am served by a therapist, a hair stylist, a realtor. This indicates an on-going relationship with the same person.

When I visit the salon for a haircut, or a manicure or pedicure, I’m receiving a service that enhances my life. This service is given to me by a professional— someone skilled and/or licensed in a specialized field. Typically this is a person I visit on a regular basis. Also, I visit this person exclusively. Not just anyone will do. As a client, my provider knows me well, knows how to meet my needs and knows why I’ve come.

When it comes to God, are you a customer or a client? Are you someone who shows up at the convenience store called “church” and expects to be waited on? You don’t have any particular investment in this service. You just know that SOMETHING will meet your temporary needs and you’ll go from there with some level of satisfaction.

Often we prefer to be the customer in our relationship with God. We would rather keep Him at arms length. We don’t want Him to expect too much from us. We want to be able to go other places and try other things to fulfill our longings. Being a customer keeps us at a safe distance. Not too personal.

Are you a client when it comes to having a relationship with your Provider? Do you have an on-going friendship with Him – he knows how to meet your needs and why you’ve come? Do you seek Him exclusively to meet your needs? Do you allow Him to enhance your life?

I want to be a client. I want to know that my God KNOWS me. That He knows my innermost being. That He knows my heart’s desires and dreams. He knows what brings me joy. That kind of relationship is built on TRUST. It is built by surrendering all I am and all I have to the One who created me in His likeness. Above all other things, this truly enhances my life. For today and for eternity.

So what are you? Customer or client?