Read: Philippians 4:4-5

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

Reflect:

You may have heard the news earlier this week that Ravi Zacharias, a Christian philosopher, and defender of the faith in public forums around the world, died after a brief battle with cancer. We began listening to Ravi on Sunday mornings as we drove to church when the kids were young and we still listen to his weekly podcasts as he “helped the believer think and the thinker believe.”

Patrina saw Ravi in Cincinnati a few years ago and sometime after that, we traveled to Lexington to listen to Ravi speak with 11,000 of our closest friends at the University of Kentucky.  As part of his question and answer session, he reminded the audience of our responsibility to do more than answer questions presented by those who do not believe. We are to look beyond the surface and consider the human being behind the question.

What does it mean to be considerate? My dictionary reminds me that a considerate person is careful “not to cause inconvenience or hurt to others.” In short, a considerate person gives thought to how he/she acts. Consideration of others reflects the character of someone seeking the best for others and not just themselves. Shouldn’t that be reflected in our lives today? Think beyond the current lockdown…

Respond:

As I mentioned above, consideration requires thought on our part. So, instead of rushing through the day, let’s look for opportunities to reflect Christ’s character today even if it is on a Zoom call, text or phone call.