Selfishness has creeped into the church at large! Stubbornness and self-centredness are prevalent. “I, me and self” take their first place. “You only think of yourself. Have you considered about others and how they feel?” – Have people ever given you such feedback? As for me, I ever heard such feedback being given. Sometimes, I felt that I am rather stubborn and self-centred. I need to do something about it, that is, to see how I can look to the needs of others and be more thoughtful. We have our weaknesses which I can understand and do recognise them but are we going to give excuses for exhibiting them and not doing something about them? By and with God’s grace and guidance, I believe that we will be able to overcome our weaknesses.

In this perspective, it is my earnest desire to surface this matter for our consideration. A bible verse which comes to mind is Philippians 2:3-4:

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

By putting yourself in the shoes of others, you will be able to empathise with them. Identifying yourself in their predicament, you will be awakened from your self-absorption. If we can speak a timely word to someone who needed an encouragement, that is really being thoughtful, isn’t it? This is exactly what Proverbs 15:23 mentioned: “To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!” Learning to be thoughtful requires God’s grace, guidance and help. It encompasses the element of genuine love. When you love someone, you will be thoughtful towards them. When you become less self-centred and more others-centred, I think we can become more Christ-like. It takes humility of heart to reach out to others in such a manner.

Let us do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit but instead, let us count others more significant than ourselves. In Philippians 2:4, we are instructed to be thoughtful (considerate) towards others. When their interests (and concerns) become ours, we will not become egocentric. This happens when we have others in our consideration. We are concerned for others more than ourselves. It is like denying self. Giving some thoughts for others go a long way to benefit the people around us. We cannot always be inward-looking but be outward-looking.

Another bible verse which comes to mind is Matthew 6:33:

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

In this bible verse, we are instructed to “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.” It did not tell us to seek ourselves first. We are taught to seek beyond and above ourselves. We are to be mindful (conscious) of God’s Kingdom. We are also to be mindful of God’s righteousness. So, it is not “I, me and self” mentality. When we seek God’s agenda first, we will include others in our agenda because His agenda includes people. People matter to God. Do you not think so?

Still another bible verse which comes to mind is Matthew 22:39:

And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

In this bible verse, we are instructed to “love your neighbour as yourself.” This reveals that we need to include others. How often are we thoughtful for ourselves rather than towards others? We are not so “others-centred” but more so “self-centred”, right? When we are thoughtful towards others, we are loving others. This verse says similarly that as we love ourselves in that manner, we should also love others in the same manner. Love others as you love yourself! As you do not disregard or mistreat yourself, so likewise, you do not disregard or mistreat others. “Be thoughtful” is a good attitude which we should adopt.

Are you only concerned for your own spiritual growth? How about others? Have you thought of doing Bible Study with someone? You might be spiritually well-fed, but others are not. Shouldn’t you feed others spiritually? We heard the Gospel and believed, and we are in God’s Kingdom. How about others outside God’s fold and not heard of the Gospel? Do you bother to go beyond your comfort zone and reach out to that lost soul over there? “Be thoughtful” causes us to give some thoughts to what we are currently doing and how we should alter what we have been doing. I am reminded of James 1:22 which states that “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” This spurs us into actions. We should be a practising Christian. We should practice what we preach. Do not just listen but go beyond listening to incorporating some kinds of action into our listening processes. Let us do what God instructs us to do.

Let me suggest ways which we can incorporate the applications of “Be thoughtful” here.

Firstly, you can consider Matthew 6:33 and be mindful of God’s agenda. What does God’s Kingdom comprise of? People! Look out for people. Be concerned for people. Be interested in the welfare of people. What do we have that others do not have? Be a cheerful giver! Give of your time, talents, and resources. Get to know people. People matter to God. They matter to you and me too! People need the Lord just as we need Him. What does God’s righteousness mean? People again! Do what is pleasing in God’s sight. Respect people. Treat people well. Minister to people. Share what God has graciously given to you. Be blessed to be a blessing! What God has blessed you with, you may also bless others with. God will never short-change you. If you honour Him, He will also honour you. God’s righteousness requires God’s people to show His righteousness to those outside God’s fold. Share your faith journey with others. Let them know of Christ’s saving grace. Many still have not heard the Gospel. You can be a channel of blessing to others by sharing what Christ Jesus has lovingly done on the Cross for them and their sins.

Secondly, you can consider Matthew 22:39 and be mindful of God’s love. Love others with Christ’s love. Look out for others who are in dire needs and reach out to them lovingly. Spend time with those who are lonely and neglected. Be their faithful friends. Listen empathetically to those who are in despair and discouraged. Ask God to direct you to those whom He wants you to minister to and pray for.

Finally, let us, as God’s beloved children, be thoughtful for others rather than for ourselves alone. Let us be a practising Christian, brightly shining as stars for Him. Amen.