And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works,
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24 and 25
How to know if you have what I call “Labyrinthitis Syndrome”?
We live in a world where selfishness, pride and individualism take over. Many live as if their life were the center of decisions, being concerned with seeking only their pleasures or satisfactions, personal satisfaction and benefits, without the slightest concern if their attitudes will bother or harm those around them, whether in personal, professional or spiritual life.
But, when we look at God's Word we see that the teachings are for us to consider one another, and how does one consider someone?
To consider is to value, to recognize the qualities and encourage people to see and use their potential, thus there is encouragement to love and to good works.
It also advises us, to admonish one another, what is that?
To admonish brings us the sense of advising, warning, guiding someone in their way of proceeding, and this is completed with the text that warns us about the arrival of “that day”, the great and glorious day of the Lord.
However, there are those who question, how to look at people, if they only harm us?
We find the answer in scripture in Efésios 4:32, which says: “Rather, be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Acting with kindness is having goodness, mercy is having compassion and solidarity, and we must forgive, just as we need God's forgiveness.
Also see what Apostle Paul instructs us in Gálatas 5:26, “Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.”
Be patient, do not be selfish, do not be irritable and do not envy others, know that you are part of a world, and do not have a world for yourself. Understand that the world does not revolve around you, and that life's circumstances are not objects for your favor and the people around you are not there only to serve you.
Know how to live with differences, using them so that life is fulfilled, because the standard of perfection is not a man, but Christ Jesus, the true God.
Create conditions to recognize and show the value of those around you, whether those who work or worship with you.
Be careful, because when you look and see yourself as the center and all things revolving around you, you may have labyrinthitis syndrome, which is a behavior that brings you imbalance, anxiety and the sensation that everything happens because of you. Therefore, we can compare it with physical labyrinthitis. That one, you need to see a doctor, but the syndrome I describe needs spiritual help to achieve healing and balance, expanding your vision, knowing the value of each individual in life.
Meditate:
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (Gálatas 6:2)
Pr. Wilson de Lima Salustiano
Master's in Pastoral Psychology