On being Thoughtful
by Todd Elder
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Being a thoughtful person is becoming a lost art in todays society.
Yet this is what believers are called to be. We are not supposed to
comform to society's standard. Instead, we should be able to
distinguish what is right from wrong, good from evil, and helpful
from selfish.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The American Heritage Dictionary defines thoughtful as 'occupied
with thought, well thought out and well considered, showing regard
for others, and considerate'. 'Thought out' and 'considerate'
suggest that we have taken the time not only to know the intended
effects of our actions but the side effects as well. 'Considerate'
and 'showing regard' means we are taking another persons desires,
feelings, or care into account when we weigh the pros and cons of
what we are thinking of doing. This is so important and so commonly
overlooked anymore.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The problem
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In today's world it is far too easy to just be busy and spend our
life without actually thinking about what it is we are doing. We
are actually trained to do this all through the school system and
through our jobs ... they teach us to take in information and spit
it back out in predetermined formats and to just follow orders. We
are almost like machines just following the program that we have
been given. Very few of us are actually trained to think for
ourselves or to be creative and imaginative or to do things
differently. Even peer pressure causes people to do what is
considered normal in society. As believers in YHVH and as followers
of Messiah we are called to do more than this. We are to pay
attention not only to what we are doing, but to what is going on
around us so that we can help others as it is needed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have become lax to the point that we can just sit and do what
the world is doing and not even notice. We do not consider the
consequences of our actions either to ourselves, to others,
physically, and especially spiritually. Our society does not bring
us up in an environment where the punishment fits the crime ... it
is liberal and allows many things to go unpunished or simply let go
with a warning which has brought about a bunch of lawlessness,
careless attitudes, rudeness, and worse. We do not learn to take
responsibility for our actions. We do not bother to see how our
actions affect others.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Fellowship
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It should be obvious to us, through the Scriptures and through the
Messiah's messages that we are to care for one another. In the law,
there are many provisions for the poor, the widow, the orphan, for
those in debt, or in other situations. In Messiah's teachings we
are given instruction on how to care for another and to not be
selfish. Those who help are people who get blessed and whose
prayers are heard.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the epistles, it is written how the body of Messiah is one and
that if one part of the body hurts all hurt. In fellowship we are
to help each other out. It is not enough to simply attend a group
and sit there taking in teaching and then do nothing in return for
the group as a whole nor for the individuals in the group. We are
called to be attentive to needs. Not all the work is done in a
congregational setting ... in fact most of the work probably falls
outside the congregation. People have difficulties in their lives
for which they would appreciate assistance, some people need to
talk or receive counsel, some are in need of money, and others are
in need of prayer. Are we actively looking for these things? There
are many different gifts of the Spirit and they are given to a
person so that they can be used. Most of the gifts are for
edification of others and not to be used for oneself.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our actions in a place of worship are particularly meaningful ...
when we are before the Almighty and around other brethren what are
we doing? Are we disruptive and causing commotion? Do we break into
conversations because we are not patient? Do we cause unneccesary
problems by giving unasked for advice and expecting people to
follow it? If we approach a person, we should take the moment of
time to check and see what they are doing, whether they need to be
alone a moment, or if they are uncomfortable with what is being
done. This should be taken into consideration.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
continued...