WEDNESDAY'S WORD - CONSIDER - 10/31/18 Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view - until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it." - Harper Lee      This is a very challenging time. Sometimes I wonder if we as a Nation have collectively lost the ability to CONSIDER - to think carefully about something typically before making a decision; to take something into account when making a decision; examine. It's so interesting that consider is the root word of CONSIDERATE - to be careful not to cause inconvenience or hurt to others; showing careful thought. It seems the first step to being considerate is to stop and consider another person's feelings, situation, and point of view. That's why Paul admonished us in Philippians 2:3 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves." No matter your race, religion, gender or socioeconomic background, whether you're a boss, employee, husband, wife or child...adhering to this counter-cultural Biblical precept will drastically improve your life. We'd grow if took the time to consider each other.   Many of us were aghast at the aftermath of the mass shooting at a Pittsburgh Synagogue. Other hate crimes splattered throughout the Country, even in our own Tri-State Region, speak loudly to the fact that some have not even attempted to consider, much less show love to those who share this space called humanity. I'm not sure why we believe that there will not be dire consequences to the atmosphere that is being set and fueled. Cause and affect is in play. There will be ramifications and repercussions to both the overt animosity being displayed and the silent apathy of those who refuse to cry out - Christian and non-Christian alike. We Christians are at times more concerned about our own lives and houses than re-presenting the Kingdom of God to the world. The prophet Haggai's warning to Israel was, "Consider your ways." (Hag. 1:7)      On a personal level, hard decisions, complicated knotty problems, and relational conflicts are not invitations to rash reactions but to sober reflection. Before you make or allow another inconsiderate blunder, stop and take time to consider. Examining yourself before responding is wisdom from the LORD.

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