If we want to build a healthy community and strong relationships, we have to learn to think beyond ourselves…
Let’s face it…we live in a very selfish society…
Scripture is clear, however, that the role of a believer is to consider the interest of others, even before we consider our own. Paul writes, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3…emphasis mine)
Before we make decisions, a good practice is to ask ourselves “How will this decision impact others?”
If I buy this…
If I control this…
If I say this…
If I allow this…
If I park here…
If I wear this…
If I post this…
If I ignore this…
If I pull out now…
If I ________(What else would you add?)…
Part of loving God and loving others is considering others interests as we make decisions.
In what ways do you need to think beyond yourself?
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The big thing that hit me is the “what if I ignore this”. That is one of my toughest parts of ministry…confronting a saint about something when they should know better. I just erroniously think they will figure it out and the problem will go away. When I ignore the problem it does two things: 1) it never gets better and usually gets worse, and 2) I’m not helping shepherd someone into more godly living. Letting them stay where they are does not show that I love them.
Thanks for the jolt of reality again. Pray for me this week as I have to do exactly what I’m talking about.
Thanks Eldon. Praying for this week.
TY…that was a reminder & confirmation! I’ve always put others first especially making big decisions. However I do know that with some people we need to put up a boundary so as to not be harmed or affected by their ways & words. Can’t remember where that is, do u know what Scripture I’m relating to?
Not sure exactly what you are referring to, but try 1 Cor 5 or 2 Thess 3 for similar thoughts. Thanks for commenting!
Good post, Ron! As a wife and a parent, I have made most of my decisions based on how they would affect my husband and my children. Above everything else, I did not want to fall into the trap of hypocrisy. To understand how our decisions affect other people takes a lot of thinking things through and that's not always easy to do. Thanks for your encouragement.
Thanks Patricia!