[363 words]
My daddy was a man of many talents. He thawed frozen water pipes under the house during the winter, repaired bicycles, house fans, was a great cook and even overhauled a car engine in our drive-way. When I was old enough, my job was to always hold the flashlight, carry the toolbox, or just talk to him while he was working on something. I wished I would have spent more time listening and being patient while he talked. One of the last projects we did together was putting up a little clothesline in our backyard a few months before he passed away. In typical fashion, he constructed everything correctly from pouring the cement in the right spot, to making sure the measurements were accurate. The lines were just the right height for him and momma.
Way before I knew any Scripture or understood the love of Jesus Christ, I realized the importance of “considering” others by my dad’s example. Paul teaches the importance “furthering the conversation” with others so we can share Jesus with the world. We know this can be challenging as we live in a divisive world. We know the world needs the love of Jesus and we have an opportunity to show the need to submit our lives to the One who first loved us. These opportunities begin with seeking to help others and looking for ways to “be there” for others.
Philippians 2:1-4 says, “Therefore if there is an consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any relationship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
My dad has been gone for 30 years, that old clothesline is still standing, and I am thankful I submitted my life to Christ. Someone loved me and told me about Jesus. May we consider others so they will seek Christ!
Allen Jones
South Green Street church of Christ
Glasgow, KY