Do We even Think?

My husband and I were having a conversation yesterday and something dawned on us. We were lamenting the way some people treat others. In the past, we had always concluded that they knew what the consequences of their behaviors were on other people and didn't care; we finally realized that the more likely explanation was that they never even stopped to think what their words or actions did to others. Not thinking seems to be a prevalent problem in this day and age. We don't think about the consequences of our actions. We don't think how deeply our words can wound. We don't think about other people's feelings. We don't think about others at all. The only thing people seem to think about today is their own feelings, their own wants, their own needs. The Bible says, "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." Philippians 2:3-4 (NASB)

"Who do you think you are— recklessly grabbing and looting, Living it up, acting like king of the mountain, acting above it all, above trials and troubles? You've engineered the ruin of your own house. In ruining others you've ruined yourself. You've undermined your foundations, rotted out your own soul. The bricks of your house will speak up and accuse you. The woodwork will step forward with evidence." Habakkuk 2:9 (The Message)

"If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand." Philippians 2:1-4 (The Message)

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." Romans 12:9-10 (NIV)

"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." Romans 12:3 (NIV)

"For as he thinks within himself, so he is." Psalm 23:7a (NASB)

Dear Lord, Teach us to think of others as more important than ourselves. Teach us to think things through before we act or speak, considering the effects our words and actions may have on others. Give us a heart that cares about what You care about, Your people.