Keith Hamilton

"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider 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)

"In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 7:12 NASB)

I always loved going to Japan. I loved seeing and being with my friends in Japan. I love the sights and especially going out to eat in good company. Yet, the biggest thing I love about Japan is their culture of common courtesy and respect for others. The people of Japan have a culture where being considerate and thoughtful of others is an expectation. When someone is rude or inconsiderate that is an unusual anomaly. For me, it was remarkably refreshing to be in a place where people as a whole engage in courteous, respectful, thoughtful, and considerate behavior. That expectation is reflected in every aspect of their society. At elevators, those waiting to get on stand to the side when the doors open so that those on the elevator can easily exit. The same is true at the train stations. On escalators, those who stand and ride stand to one side and leave a clear path for others to walk who may be in a hurry. At the airport when waiting to claim baggage, everyone stands back from the baggage carousel so that everyone can see the baggage. I used to hate American airports because everyone crowds right up to the baggage claim carousel making it difficult to see and retrieve your luggage. Yes, I loved going to Japan where most everyone was thoughtful of others and courteous.  It was refreshing to be away from an American culture that has become thoughtless, loud, obnoxious, and selfish. The modern American culture does not reflect the values and behavior we are to have as Christians. In America, we live in a narcistic, loud, inconsiderate, and rude culture that screams "Here I am! Look at me!" That behavior is contrary to the spirit we are to possess as Christians. Let us as Christians be an oasis for others by our behavior. Just as going to Japan was a relief to me from the environment of rude and obnoxious behavior that permeates American culture. Maybe, just maybe by behaving and acting with courtesy and respect for others we can have a positive effect on our community. Maybe if we behave in a way that is considerate and thoughtful of others we might bring a moment of good in another person's life. Maybe we should behave like Christians and be the appropriate example that leads someone to Christ.

Peter's instructions to wives who have a non-Christian husband comes to mind. His instructions for how to be a right example before an unbelieving husband are worth all of us considering.

"In the same way, you wives, be subject to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won over without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your pure and respectful behavior. Your adornment must not be merely the external--braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or putting on apparel; but it should be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God." (1 Peter 3:1-4 NASB)

Let us as Christians choose to show by our behavior to the world around us there is another way to live and act. A way that reflects the example of our Lord by putting others first. Think about it.