Do devout Christians ever act overly polite to their detriment in life? [Spirituality & Religion]

It is not to our own detriment. It is eternal perspective. It is living with eternity in mind instead of this short vapor of a life. If anyone is going to know that God is love, joy, and peace, then His people need to reflect Him by showing what love, joy, and peace He has given to them. IF it is of our own effort and not something naturally stirred within us then it is not genuine and perhaps that is why you only see an "ass-kisser". Perhaps he is, or perhaps it is natural to him now.