A little consideration

"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:" Hebrews 10:24

We may never fully understand just how much we actually effect one another. The Bible tells us, "none of us liveth to himself and no man dieth to himself." With each and every encounter we have with one another, we make an impact. Some impacts are deep and meaningful, while others may be very short and simplistic. Some may be for the better and some may be for the worse. However, the opportunity is always there for us to make a good impact, to "provoke unto love and to good works".

I thought about this the other day while I was driving home from the store. It was a long day, full of frustration and irritation. Work completely drained me. I stopped at Subway to pick up a sandwich for supper. The last thought on my mind was "how can I be a blessing to this Subway employee". In fact, to be honest, my thought process went a little more like this: "Okay, Subway is affordable. How many days until my next paycheck? What bills are due before then? Oh man. Hurry up! I've been at work all day. I just want to get home already so I can relax!" (hey, it's honest - possibly too honest for your liking or mine but honest nonetheless).

While I was waiting for the car ahead of me to get their sandwiches I got a text message from a friend. It said, "Hey! Praying for you today! Hope you had a good day serving Him!"

Ooooooooh.

Had I really spent any time that day serving Him? My mind was searching through the day's events. Yep. The answer was a big, fat ZERO.

However, I still had an opportunity! When I pulled up to the window and the employee handed me my sandwich, I reciprocated with a gospel tract and a smile.

I drove away feeling very thankful for that friend, who took a moment out of their busy day to show me a little consideration. Not only was I blessed by it, but a gospel tract with God's Word was given out. Only the Lord knows the result of that tract but I know the result of that text.

So my challenge to myself and to you, reader, is to take a little time this week and have a little consideration to one another, that we may provoke each other unto love and good works. Maybe someone you see this week is in need of a hug, or a high five or a pat on the back. Maybe they need an email or a text message that simply says "praying for you", or maybe they need a little thank you, someone to show them that they are appreciated.

Fellow Christians we live in times of trials and tribulations, discouragement and heartaches. If now is not a good time to show a little consideration toward one another, when is?