“But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person…” (Matthew 15:18-20)

When you click on this thumbnail image and enlarge it, you will discover that it comes from Domino’s Pizza’s facebook page where customers are encouraged to provide feedback on their experiences with Domino’s offerings.

Recently a customer wrote: “Best Pizza Ever! Keep up the good work, guys!” followed by a smiley emoticon 🙂

Here is Domino Pizza’s reply to her compliment: “So sorry about that! Please share some additional information with us at bit.ly/dpz_care and please mention reference# 1409193 so we can have this addressed.”

Why such a bizarre response you may wonder. Here is the explanation.

Apparently, the comments on the page are not read and responded to by a human being. The entire process is automated using “bots” (short form for robot), which are programmed to scan the comments and post appropriate responses.

It seems that those who provide unfavourable feedback often use exclamation points, frownies (opposite of smileys) and other characters to emphasize their displeasure. Domino’s is, of course, used to seeing its fair share of these comments.

Thus, when the bot saw a post that looked like a caustic comment, it automatically generated an apology and offered information on how Domino’s would address it.

I did not take the time to verify this particular post…I’d heard about it on the radio and found this picture on www.consumerist.com. But, when I scanned Domino’s facebook page, I found this comment by a customer: “Large pineapple and banana pepper pizza. 2 liter of coke. Insidious.”

Once again, the bot generated an apology, only to have the customer post this response: “No. It was perfect. Insidious was the movie I watched during the pizza. I should have clarified :-)”

Even as I was laughing at these misreadings by the Domino’s bot, I couldn’t help think about how it seems that there is an “inner bot” at work in us as well.

Are there “triggers” that cause you to respond automatically as did the bot?

For example, you may run into someone who has been known to criticize you all the time. Your brain immediately switches to defensive mode. “All systems alert! Get ready to intercept incoming interlocutory verbalistic missile!”

They could say the nicest thing about you that has ever been said…but, unless you were really tuned in, you would likely strike back without even thinking!

Or, you may have grown up with an image of God as being a harsh taskmaster. You have been conditioned to earn His love by your good deeds for fear of punishment. You are likely to have initial difficulty accepting any teaching that stresses that He is your Father who loves you unconditionally and simply wants you to rest in Him. You will find it rather strange to serve from acceptance and not for acceptance.

Perhaps you were let down by a very close friend. Now when someone says anything remotely resembling what that former friend used to say (“We’re friends for life!”), you give your potential new friend the brush-off, much to their bewilderment.

You get the idea, right?

Dear DWOD friend, would you take some time today and ask Holy Spirit to show you ways in which your inner Domino’s bot might be at work?  You’ll be surprised!

Perhaps it is time to re-program that bot as Paul recommends in Romans 12:2, “by the renewing of your mind.”

Please feel free to contact me or Darren so we can direct you to someone who can minister to you.