Last night, I shared my thoughts on the resolutions we make and how much God is/isn’t involved. In the concluding post of this resolution duo, I’d like to propose another question.
2. Do we consider others in our 2011 plans?
Now, why would you consider others in your 2011 plans? Hear me out.
2 Timothy 3:2 explains that people will become totally enamored with themselves and money. Many will also be very boastful, prideful, selfish, disobedient, ungrateful, and abusive. As disheartening as it is sounds, it’s even more disheartening to say I’ve witnessed many of these awful traits. Unfortunately, I, too have displayed some of these traits.
God has been so good to us in so many different ways yet we continue to look at what we don’t have: Ungrateful.
We ramble on about ourselves on the phone without thinking to ask how the listener is doing and really mean it: Self-Absorbed.
We take pride in embarrassing others by telling them where to go and how to get there when they make us mad: Abusive.
I could go on but I want you to continue reading (smile). The point I’m making is that we’ve got to start caring about one another. I don’t even mean that you should go out and do community service to show you care. Truth be told, I’ve seen people who do community service just for the bragging rights. I’m all for community service. It’s great to give back to others but how do you treat your family and friends? Do you try to make the load lighter for those around you?
Do you consider how others will be affected by your actions? Do you REALLY listen to hear the needs of others? Or are you just too busy being the “most amazing” 2011 version of you? I’m not saying that you must solve the problems of those around you but I’m encouraging you to be aware of those around you. Be cognizant. What good is it to check off all the “goals-turned-accomplishments” on your New Year’s resolution list if your character is less than Christ-like? You’ve stopped at nothing to achieve your goals which included stepping over people’s necks, heads, and shoulders. You’ve seen it on those reality shows. You’ve heard the famous “I didn’t come here to make friends” line and have seen the brawls that follow simply because consideration for each other is lacking tremendously.
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40.
As we make plans to be movers and shakers in 2011, let us not lose sight of the ultimate mover and shaker: the love of God.
The Fence 