Consideration
Donald R. Fox
“A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.”
—Pooh’s Little Instruction Book, inspired by A. A. Milne
As you relax in your yard, the peace is broken by a neighbor’s loud radio. To make things even worse, some youngsters drive by with their “boom box” blasting away. You say to yourself, “Don’t these people have any consideration for others?” Aggravated, we say to ourselves, “Folks a mile away can hear that guy’s radio.” We understand, as we mutter to ourselves, some noise is unavoidable, such as mowing the grass.
Then our mind drifts to the supermarket the other day, when we could not get around a shopping cart left in the middle of the aisle while the shopper pays no attention to others. O yes, and how about that able-bodied person that parked their car in the handicap zone, just because they had grandpa’s permit swinging from their rearview mirror; and grandpa wasn’t even in the car! Why isn’t there a thoughtful, sympathetic regard for others?
To think about others should be a very easy task. However, it seems for many it is not. One of the earmarks of a person that considers others is that they are charitable. “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in the time of trouble” (Psalm 41:1). As a matter of fact, a person that considers others is practicing the Golden Rule and, further, they are “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13–14) To sum it up, a person that considers others is a Christian in action—doing.
To gain the attitude of consideration for others we must first recognize a need to consider others. If corrections in our dispositions are needed, strive to improve. Until that time comes, consideration for others will always take a backseat. You see, a considering person is a person that considers the needs, feelings of others. The disposition and manner of a servant would be helpful as we strive to be considerate people; and that makes all the difference.
“And let us consider one other, to provoke unto love, and to good works” —Hebrews 10:24
