When we are self-absorbed, we simply cannot be considerate. I think being considerate and being selfless go hand-in-hand. The definition of considerate is solicitous: mindful of the needs, wishes, and feelings of others.
We are commissioned by God to be considerate, to put others first,"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." Romans 12:10
Yet we are hard pressed to do this even with those we love, let alone neighbors, acquaintances, friends, strangers. Our sinful flesh leads us in the opposite direction. Wanting our own way. Wanting to put ourselves first, our own needs first.
A great example of this is something as simple as using your turn signal when driving. How many times have you been behind another car that for no reason at all, starts slowing down, maybe comes to a complete stop? There is no signal, no obvious sign that they are making a left turn. Or maybe you are at a four way stop sign and the person opposite you does not have their turn signal on. You assume you can go at the same time as them. Except, they are turning left and when you drive into the intersection, they lay on the horn because somehow you should have been able to read their minds and know that they were planning on turning?
There are so many little things we can do every day to show consideration to others. Yet we don't. We don't take the time or make the effort, even if it takes hardly any effort at all, to do something that would benefit others instead of ourselves.
I challenge you, just as I challenge myself, to take the time to do something, no matter how small, for someone else today.
In His Grace...
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