Considerate: April 19, 2013

Today's Word for FRIDAY APRIL 19, 2013

CONSIDERATE

DEFINITION:

Thoughtful or sympathetic; showing regard or respect for others; courteous.

SCRIPTURE:

Now therefore says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. Haggai 1:5

To speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, considerate, gentile, showing all humility to all men. Titus 3:2.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

It is more and more evident that society is on a downward spiral as people are becoming less and less considerate of others. It is seen in everyday activities. People push and shove to get ahead in a line. Drivers recklessly change lanes cutting off other drivers to pass other cars. People criticize others and speak rudely with no consideration for their feelings.

In his letter to Titus (above verse), the Apostle Paul instructs Titus to remind those who believe in Jesus of the Christian principles that should be evident in a Christian's life. Being considerate is one of them. Do you live a life having consideration for others?

We are living in a "ME" generation and most people today, especially young people, give very little consideration to others. To be considerate of others requires putting others before ourselves. It is inherent in our sinful nature that people really are only concerned about themselves and care very little about other people's concerns. Let us share one example that every one of us experiences every day. We see someone and ask, "How are you?" But do we really care how they are doing? Most people do not care. They ask because that is what has become a routine question.

Take a moment today and evaluate how considerate you are to others. The prophet Haggai (above) tells us to "Consider our ways." Look back to yesterday. Were you considerate to those you met and/or talked to? Were you considerate to your spouse and children? If there were issues to deal with, what kind of attitude did you have? Was it Christ-like? When faced with an issue, did you take into consideration the feelings of others that may be involved in that issue?

Before you react to an issue or concern, take a moment and think about how Jesus would have responded. Think of ways today as to how you can be more considerate to your spouse and children. Consider your attitude, your thought process and your decision making style. To be considerate of others in the way Jesus would have us do means we must humble ourselves and be willing to have a servant attitude toward others. We are Christ’s representative here on earth. Being considerate of others is a significant way that we can show the love of Jesus to others.

Our genuine concern and compassion for others is a true measure of the depth of our relationship with our Lord. Our good works cannot save us. We are saved by our faith but if our faith is genuine we will reach out to others. Our considerate treatment of others honors our Lord.

In Isaiah 58:7, Isaiah tells us what truly honors God: "It is to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter. When you see the naked, clothe him and do not turn away from your own flesh and blood." The writer of Proverbs tells us in Proverbs 14:31 that "whoever is kind to the needy honors God."

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Philippians 4:19.

My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

PRAYER:

Enable me to have a servant heart today and to be kind and considerate of others. Help me to be loving and kind to my spouse, my children, and my parents and to all that I meet and talk to today. May others see Jesus through me in all that I do.