TOPIC: For the Good of Others
Woodrow Kroll and Tony Beckett's devotions are a part of my daily routine. Even though some of the devotions were originally written decades ago, they are pertinent to my life - TODAY. "For the Good of Others" is just such a devotion. It reminds me that I need to make decisions with OTHERS in mind. How will my decisions and actions affect others? In a world of "it's all about ME" attitudes, we all need reminders of the reality of God's will. Here is the devotion, for your consumption and consideration:

Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 10:24
Sometimes we get so focused on what we want that we lose sight of what God wants. He not only wants us to consider whether or not something is beneficial for us but also whether it is good for others. The emphasis on self can distort our view of others. When self occupies our vision it becomes difficult to set aside what we want, or what we think is acceptable. Yet Paul repeatedly reminds us that we do not live for ourselves only. We are part of the community of believers and must consider how our actions affect others. “Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others” (v. 24). Paul is not talking about good things we can do for others but how we must consider the effect our actions will have on others. It is not just a matter of saying, “This is right for me.” It is even more than deciding something is edifying. This verse commands an added dimension to our decision making—how will what I do affect others, and will it be for their good?

Keep this important consideration in mind as you go through each day -- making decisions large and small. When we remove the emphasis from ourselves and place it on others, we will find how blessed we are and how small some of our self-centered, pity-party problems are. THINK IT OVER!