Like Sheep: Overcoming Selfishness with God’s Guidance

 

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

Key Passage: All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way… ~ Isaiah 53:6 ~

Sheep are fascinating creatures—and not always for the reasons we might think. In the Bible, sheep are often used as metaphors for humanity, and for good reason. Sheep are directionless, defenseless, and prone to wandering. Left to their own devices, they lack the ability to navigate danger or provide for their needs. When Isaiah writes that we are like sheep, he paints an unflattering yet profoundly accurate picture of human nature.

At the core of our struggles—whether addiction, dysfunction, or spiritual stagnation—lies selfishness. This self-centeredness leads us away from God’s purpose, into patterns of sin and destruction. Much like sheep, we wander, chasing after what seems to satisfy our immediate appetites without realizing the harm it causes.

However, just as Scripture highlights our shortcomings as sheep, it also reveals the beauty of God’s solution: Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. Through His guidance, we can overcome our selfish tendencies, find direction, and live with purpose.

---

The Danger of Selfishness

Selfishness is a subtle yet pervasive issue that impacts every area of our lives. It manifests as a preoccupation with our comfort, desires, and ambitions. While society often encourages self-centeredness—promoting the idea that we should prioritize ourselves above all else—Scripture warns us of its destructive nature.

James 3:16 (ESV):
“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”

Selfishness leads to dysfunction, both internally and in our relationships. It blinds us to the needs of others and ultimately isolates us from God. Like sheep wandering without a shepherd, selfishness leaves us vulnerable to the "wolves" of temptation, addiction, and despair.

---

How Are We Like Sheep?

Sheep serve as a vivid metaphor for humanity. Let’s explore some of their traits and how they relate to our spiritual condition:

1. Sheep Are Directionless
   Without a shepherd, sheep wander aimlessly. They have no sense of direction and often get lost. Similarly, when we prioritize our own desires over God’s will, we lose our way.

   Proverbs 14:12 (ESV):
   “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”

2. Sheep Are Defenseless
   Sheep lack natural defenses. They cannot outrun predators, fight back, or camouflage themselves. In the same way, we are spiritually defenseless without God. On our own, we are unable to resist the temptations and attacks of the enemy.

   Ephesians 6:12 (ESV):
   “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

3. Sheep Are Prone to Panic
   When sheep face danger, they panic and follow the crowd, often running in circles. This behavior mirrors our tendency to react to life’s challenges with fear and impulsiveness rather than faith and wisdom.

   Isaiah 41:10 (ESV):
   “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

---

The Good Shepherd: Our Source of Guidance and Protection

In contrast to the helplessness of sheep, Scripture presents Jesus as the Good Shepherd, the one who provides direction, protection, and care for His flock.

John 10:11 (ESV):
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

Jesus not only recognizes our weaknesses but actively intervenes to save us from ourselves. Through His sacrificial love, He leads us out of selfishness and into a life of purpose and fulfillment.

---

How Does Jesus Shepherd Us?

1. He Guides Us
   As our Shepherd, Jesus provides the direction we need. Through His Word and the Holy Spirit, He leads us on the path of righteousness.

   Psalm 23:1-3 (ESV):
   “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

   Application: Are you seeking God’s guidance in your daily decisions? Spend time in Scripture and prayer, asking Him to reveal His will for your life.

2. He Protects Us
   Jesus is our defender, shielding us from spiritual harm. When we place our trust in Him, we no longer need to live in fear.

   John 10:28-29 (ESV):
   “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”

   Application: Reflect on areas of your life where you feel vulnerable. How can you surrender these fears to Christ and trust in His protection?

3. He Rescues Us
   Like a shepherd seeking a lost sheep, Jesus actively pursues us when we wander. His love is relentless, and He rejoices when we return to Him.

   Luke 15:4-7 (ESV):
   “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.”

   Reflective Question: Have you experienced a time when God rescued you from a dangerous or destructive path? How did it impact your faith?

---

Overcoming Selfishness with God’s Help

Selfishness is not something we can overcome on our own. It requires the transformative work of the Holy Spirit and a willingness to submit to God’s will.

1. Acknowledge Your Need for God

The first step in overcoming selfishness is recognizing your dependence on God. Just as sheep cannot survive without a shepherd, we cannot thrive without His guidance and provision.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV):
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

---

2. Cultivate Humility

Selfishness thrives in a heart full of pride. By humbling ourselves before God, we create space for Him to work in and through us.

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV):
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Application: Practice acts of selflessness this week. Look for ways to serve others without expecting anything in return.

---

3. Surround Yourself with Godly Community

Sheep are safest in a flock, under the care of a shepherd. Likewise, we thrive when we surround ourselves with other believers who can encourage, support, and hold us accountable.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV):
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Reflective Question: Are you connected to a community of believers? How can you strengthen those relationships and contribute to the spiritual growth of others?

---

A Call to Action

As sheep, we are prone to wandering, selfishness, and fear. But as followers of Christ, we have the privilege of being led by the Good Shepherd, who offers us direction, protection, and grace.

This week, take time to reflect on the ways selfishness has influenced your life. Ask God to reveal areas where you need to surrender control and trust His guidance. Seek opportunities to serve others selflessly and lean into the strength of a godly community.

We’d love to hear from you! How has Jesus, the Good Shepherd, guided you in moments of wandering or selfishness? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below to encourage and inspire others. Let’s grow together in faith and dependence on our loving Shepherd.

The Power of Daily Prayer and Meditation: Cultivating a Relationship with God

 

Photo by Diana Simumpande on Unsplash

Key Passage: "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
—Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)

One of the most transformative aspects of the Christian life is the ability to connect with our Creator through prayer and meditation. In this sacred practice, we grow in faith, receive divine guidance, and experience the deep peace and joy that comes from cultivating a relationship with God.

Daily prayer and meditation are not merely habits; they are spiritual lifelines. They create space in our busy lives to hear God's voice and to seek His wisdom. In solitude, we are reminded that God desires to communicate with us, to guide us, and to bless us with His presence.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the profound impact of prayer and meditation on our spiritual journey. We will reflect on how they strengthen our faith, improve our well-being, and equip us to face life’s challenges with renewed resilience and joy.

---

Faith in God’s Guidance: Trusting Him in Prayer

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
—James 1:5 (NIV)

Faith is the foundation of prayer. When we approach God in prayer, we are exercising our trust in His power, wisdom, and love. Faith allows us to believe that God hears us and will respond according to His perfect will.

As Christians, we often find ourselves yearning for guidance. Life’s challenges can leave us feeling uncertain, but God promises to provide wisdom when we seek Him. Through thoughtful prayer, we align our hearts with His, trusting that He will direct our steps.

The answers to our prayers may not always come in the way we expect. Sometimes, God speaks through His Word, through the counsel of others, or through quiet moments of meditation. These answers may come as gentle nudges or profound revelations, but they are always rooted in His perfect plan for us.

Reflective Questions:

• When was the last time you sought God’s guidance through prayer?
• How has God answered your prayers in ways you didn’t expect?

---

The Gift of Solitude: Finding God in Quiet Moments

"Be still, and know that I am God."
—Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

In a world that thrives on noise and busyness, the discipline of meditation is a sacred counterbalance. Meditation is not just about emptying the mind but about filling it with God’s truth. It is a time to be still before Him, to reflect on His Word, and to listen for His voice.

In solitude, we quiet the distractions of life and tune our hearts to God. This practice fosters a deeper sense of His presence and helps us to discern His guidance more clearly. It is in these quiet moments that we often find the strength and peace to face life’s struggles.

Meditation also deepens our awareness of God’s goodness. By focusing on His promises and His faithfulness, we cultivate gratitude and joy. This practice reminds us that God is not distant but intimately involved in every aspect of our lives.

Reflective Questions:

• How often do you set aside time to be still before God?
• What scriptures or truths about God bring you the most peace during times of meditation?

---

The Healthy Expectation of God’s Answers

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."
—Matthew 7:7 (NIV)

As we grow in our prayer life, we develop a healthy expectation of receiving answers from God. This expectation is not born out of entitlement but out of faith in His promises. Jesus assured us that when we seek, we will find.

Expecting answers from God requires humility and patience. It means trusting that His timing is perfect and His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). Sometimes the answer is “yes,” sometimes “no,” and other times “wait.” Regardless of the response, we can rest in the assurance that God is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28).

God often answers our prayers through various means—through scripture, the wisdom of others, or the quiet nudges of the Holy Spirit. As we remain open to His guidance, we become more attuned to recognizing His voice in our lives.

Reflective Questions:

• How do you respond when God’s answers to your prayers are delayed or different from what you expected?
• Can you recall a time when God answered your prayer in an unexpected way?

---

The Impact on Our Well-Being: Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Health

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
—Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

Daily prayer and meditation have profound effects on our overall well-being. Spiritually, they draw us closer to God, strengthening our faith and trust in Him. Emotionally, they bring comfort and peace, especially during times of stress or uncertainty.

Research has even shown that prayer and meditation can have positive effects on physical health. They reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mental clarity. But for Christians, the benefits go beyond the physical. Through prayer, we experience the peace of God—a peace that transcends human understanding and guards our hearts and minds in Christ.

As we grow in this practice, we become more resilient in the face of adversity. Prayer anchors us in God’s promises, while meditation reminds us of His faithfulness. Together, they equip us to navigate life’s challenges with grace and confidence.

Reflective Questions:

• How has daily prayer and meditation improved your emotional or spiritual well-being?
• In what ways has God’s peace helped you face difficult circumstances?

---

Cultivating a Relationship with God

"Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me."
—John 15:4 (NIV)

At the heart of prayer and meditation is a relationship with God. It is not about following a formula or checking off a spiritual to-do list; it is about abiding in Him.

When we make daily prayer and meditation a priority, we are intentionally cultivating our relationship with God. We are acknowledging our dependence on Him and inviting Him into every aspect of our lives. Over time, this relationship grows stronger, transforming not only our faith but our character.

This is the greatest relationship we can ever cultivate. It is through this relationship that we discover our true identity as children of God. It is here that we find the strength, wisdom, and love to navigate life’s journey.

Reflective Questions:

• How would you describe your current relationship with God?
• What steps can you take to deepen your connection with Him through prayer and meditation?

---

Practical Tips for Developing a Daily Practice of Prayer and Meditation

1. Set Aside Time: Dedicate a specific time each day for prayer and meditation. Whether it’s in the morning, during lunch, or before bed, consistency is key.

2. Create a Sacred Space: Find a quiet, comfortable place where you can focus without distractions.

3. Use Scripture as a Guide: Start your time with a passage of scripture. Reflect on its meaning and ask God to reveal how it applies to your life.

4. Practice Gratitude: Begin your prayer by thanking God for His blessings. Gratitude shifts your perspective and opens your heart to His guidance.

5. Listen as Much as You Speak: Prayer is a two-way conversation. Spend time in silence, listening for God’s voice.

6. Journal Your Thoughts: Writing down your prayers and insights can help you track your spiritual growth and remember God’s faithfulness.

---

Call to Action: Share Your Journey

Prayer and meditation are deeply personal practices, yet they also have the power to inspire and encourage others.

We invite you to reflect on your own journey with prayer and meditation:

• How has this practice impacted your life?
• What challenges have you faced in maintaining consistency?
• What scriptures or strategies have been most helpful to you?

Please share your thoughts in the comments below. Your experiences and insights may be just what someone else needs to hear to strengthen their own walk with God.

---

A Closing Prayer for Guidance and Peace

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of prayer and the privilege of coming into Your presence. We are grateful for the peace and guidance You provide when we seek You with open hearts.

Help us to grow in faith and to trust that You are always near, ready to listen and to answer. Teach us to quiet our minds and to meditate on Your Word, finding strength and wisdom in Your truth.

Lord, deepen our relationship with You. Let our daily prayer and meditation be a source of joy, peace, and renewal. May we be faithful to seek You in every season of life, confident in Your love and guidance.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

---

Daily prayer and meditation are more than spiritual disciplines—they are lifelines to a deeper relationship with God. As we commit to this practice, may we find not only answers to our prayers but the incomparable joy of abiding in His presence.

Subscribe | Follow | Donate

Prayer: The Anchor for Recovery and Renewal

Photo by Jack Sharp on Unsplash

Key Passage: “As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” – Nehemiah 1:4 (ESV)

In the book of Nehemiah, we see a man brought to his knees by the news of Jerusalem’s brokenness. The walls were in ruins, the people were scattered, and the once-glorious city was a shadow of its former self. Nehemiah’s first response wasn’t action—it was prayer. He sat, wept, fasted, and prayed for days, pouring out his heart to God and seeking divine guidance for what lay ahead.

Prayer, as Nehemiah demonstrates, is not just a spiritual habit. It is the foundation of renewal, the path to strength, and the gateway to peace. Whether we are seeking to rebuild our lives from addiction, heal from broken relationships, or face the storms of life, prayer anchors us in God’s presence.

This truth is especially relevant for those in recovery. Much like Nehemiah, we awaken to the reality of the brokenness around us—the devastation caused by addiction, the fractured relationships, and the loss of direction. Prayer becomes our lifeline, connecting us to God and providing us with the strength, courage, and wisdom to navigate the journey ahead.

---

Key Point #1: Prayer Connects Us to God’s Power

“The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.” – Psalm 145:18 (ESV)

Prayer is not merely a religious routine; it is a profound spiritual connection to our Creator. When we pray, we acknowledge that we cannot face life’s challenges in our own strength. We humble ourselves before God, recognizing our need for His power and grace.

Nehemiah’s prayer was filled with honesty, humility, and deep reverence for God. He acknowledged the sins of his people, confessed his own failures, and pleaded for God’s intervention. This is a model for us: to approach God with open hearts, laying our burdens and brokenness before Him.

For those in recovery, prayer serves as a reminder that we are not alone. God is near to all who call on Him with sincerity. When we seek Him in faith, He responds with His presence and power.

Reflective Question: What burden or brokenness can you lay before God today in prayer?

---

Key Point #2: Prayer Brings Peace in the Storm

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)

Life’s storms can leave us feeling overwhelmed and directionless. Addiction, loss, or even daily struggles often create chaos in our minds and hearts. Yet, through prayer, we find peace—not necessarily because the storm disappears, but because God strengthens us to endure it.

Nehemiah’s situation was overwhelming. Rebuilding Jerusalem was an impossible task from a human perspective. But instead of panicking or acting impulsively, he prayed and fasted, waiting on God for wisdom and peace. Similarly, in recovery, prayer helps us to focus on God’s promises instead of our problems.

Prayer is not about asking God to remove every challenge. Instead, it’s about asking Him to guide us, strengthen us, and help us adjust our sails as we navigate life’s storms. The peace we receive from God in these moments becomes our anchor, steadying us when we feel like we’re sinking.

Reflective Question: How can you trust God to give you peace in the midst of your current challenges?

---

Key Point #3: Prayer Requires Humility and Perseverance

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you.” – 1 Peter 5:6 (ESV)

Prayer is an act of humility. It’s a moment of surrender, where we admit that we don’t have all the answers and that we need God’s guidance. Nehemiah didn’t pray for a single day and then move on. He fasted and prayed for days, demonstrating perseverance and faith in God’s timing.

In the same way, prayer in recovery requires persistence. Sometimes, we don’t see immediate results. The cravings, the shame, and the pain don’t always disappear overnight. But as we consistently seek God in prayer, He works in us and through us, transforming our hearts and giving us strength for the journey.

Fasting, as Nehemiah modeled, can also be a powerful complement to prayer. Fasting focuses our hearts on God, reminding us that He alone sustains us. It teaches us to depend on Him and to align our desires with His will.

Reflective Question: Are there areas in your life where God is asking you to surrender control and trust Him fully?

---

Key Point #4: Prayer Leads to Action

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” – Proverbs 16:3 (ESV)

Prayer is not passive. Nehemiah didn’t simply pray and then wait for God to magically rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. His time in prayer prepared him for action. He approached the king, organized resources, and led the people in rebuilding the city.

Likewise, prayer equips us to take meaningful steps in our recovery and in life. As we seek God’s guidance, He gives us clarity, courage, and wisdom to act. Prayer is the beginning of transformation, but it must be followed by obedience and faith-filled action.

For those in recovery, this might mean seeking support from a trusted community, following a structured program, or making amends with those we’ve hurt. Prayer gives us the strength to take these steps, trusting that God will lead us every step of the way.

Reflective Question: What step of faith is God asking you to take in your recovery or life today?

---

Practical Tips for Developing a Prayer Life

1. Set Aside Time Daily: Start each morning with prayer, even if it’s just five minutes. This sets the tone for your day and keeps you connected to God.
2. Be Honest with God: Share your fears, struggles, and hopes. God desires a genuine relationship with you, not perfect words.
3. Incorporate Scripture: Pray through the Psalms or other passages that resonate with you. Let God’s Word guide your prayers.
4. Practice Listening: Prayer isn’t just about talking to God; it’s also about listening. Spend a few moments in silence, inviting the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart.
5. Pray Without Ceasing: Carry a posture of prayer throughout your day, turning to God in moments of gratitude, stress, or decision-making.

---

Call to Action: Share Your Prayer Journey

As we reflect on Nehemiah’s example, let’s commit to making prayer a central part of our lives. What burdens can you bring before God today? How has prayer helped you in your recovery or spiritual journey?

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, testimonies, or prayer requests in the comments below. Your story could encourage someone else who is navigating their own storm.

If this post has inspired or encouraged you, consider sharing it with others. Let’s build a community of faith, prayer, and hope, supporting one another as we grow closer to God.

"The effective prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." – James 5:16 (ESV)

Subscribe | Follow | Donate

How God meets us where we are

Photo by Timothy Eberly on Unsplash

One of the most challenge things in being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is having to constantly be aware of one's on-going work toward perfection. Many times, as a Mormon, the constant teaching of, "you have to do this in order for this to happen," came across the pulpit, at firesides and in Sunday School. The tragic loss of this message is that most people who have left the Church finally realize the real freedom in a relationship with Jesus Christ and not being obligated to prove one's self-worth to God.

The simple message of the Gospel, and of the sacrifice the Savior made, is diluted, confused and wrapped in a more humanistic effort to please God. The reality is that because God is sovereign, loving and merciful, he meets us where we are at in the present moment - not where he desires us to be in order to bless us, redeem us, or even forgive us when we falter. Unfortunately, the Mormon faith, it's leaders and many members seemed to have lost sight of this important truth.

Sitting in counsel with the clinical director at the non-profit agency I work at, she said, if you really want to make an impact on the client's life, you have to meet them where they are at and not where you desire them to be. What is being said here is that as much as I want the client's that I work with to be free from their addiction and moving into a healthier lifestyle (which is nothing wrong to have such desire); the reality is that they may not even be ready to be at that point in their own recovery.

In essence, I have to meet them exactly where they are at in the present moment and be aware of their own brokenness, their own perception, and their own challenges and obstacles. Because, for me to constantly desire them to be where I want them to be, they are going to have that much more resistance to change. However, if I meet them where they are at in the present moment without judgment, criticism or expectation, they may eventually find the means necessary to slowly move into their own recovery and change will inevitably happen.

The sovereign creator of the universe also meets each and every one of us where we are at in the present moment. Regardless of what we have done up to that point. Regardless of what may or may not happen after that point. In the present moment of our mortal existence, our loving God meets us. Of course, His desire is to see that we move into a changed lifestyle and have a deep, intimate and meaningful relationship with us. However, that will eventually come to fruition. What matters is in that moment God meets us, we are right where we need to be for him to be there.

Throughout the Bible, we see exactly this pattern of God - meeting people exactly where they are at in the moment of their own need. The savior of the world met people exactly where they were at in the moment of their own need. Without criticism, judgment or expectation. These individuals did nothing to prove to God their worth in meeting their presenting needs.

A simple message, the Gospel, in that we all come to faith at that precise moment when the Grace of God floods our hearts and changes us into a new being - a new person because of the power of the Cross. We did nothing to earn it. Nowhere in the Bible does God say, or Christ say, that we have to first come before him with clean hands and clean hearts. For example, the woman caught in adultery was brought before Christ. The people were prepared to stone her as it was the custom and applicable to the law. However, Christ simply wrote in the sand and asked which one of them is free from sin? When he looked up and sees only the woman, his words are comforting - neither do I judge you, go and sin no more! (John 8:2-11, ESV)

Christ knew the hearts of those surrounding the woman. He met them exactly where they were at in their own sinful state. There was no statement of judgment. he who is without sin, cast the first stone. The only person present that was without sin was Jesus. Stoning, at that time, was a form of condemnation and punishment based on judging one's behavior. The crowd realized they were not perfect in that present moment. The woman realized she was not under condemnation and judgment for what she was caught doing.

Today, many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are being misled that they must perfect themselves and possess clean hands and a clean heart before God will even consider approaching them. Each member has to stand in counsel with someone to confess their sins in order to determine whether or not they are specifically "deemed worthy" to engage in some of the more esoteric rituals and forms of worship. One speck of sin in that person's life (where they are not following the direct commands) may bar them from participation. However, the scripture says that we are not perfect - only because of the sacrifice Christ made are we perfected in Him, because of His righteousness (Colossians 1:22, ESV) and we stand blameless and without reproach before a Sovereign and merciful God.

Even as Christians, we may stumble and may have at some point walked away from the faith - however, God is still merciful and just in that he does meet us where we are at - not where he desires us to be. No man has the right to say to another, "come, clean your garments and rinse the filth from off you before coming into the presence of God." For we all stand filthy, no matter how clean we may seem to believe. Only God can cleanse us from all unrighteousness and that by the power of Jesus Christ.

Consider the Teachings

 

---

~ Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things ~ 

2 Timothy 2:7, KJV

---

Whether it is listening to a favorite Christian broadcast, sermon, or a daily devotion - immersion into the word of God is not merely a chore to be accomplished. It requires sincere time of meditation in which we consider the words we hear or read. This is what the Apostle Paul was instructing Timothy on. Our understanding of the scriptures, of the teachings, and of those things pertaining to the kingdom of God come about when we first consider the teachings. 

What does it mean to consider? What are those things we are to consider? How does our consideration bring understanding from the Lord? Let us briefly explore.

Consideration - A Spiritual Mindset

The first principle of this is that of meditation. Psalm 1:2 shares that a man of God is blessed when he meditates day and night on the teachings (law) of God. When we look to receive blessings, we realize they come upon our time of reflection on what is being taught.

In addition to meditating upon God's word, we also come to a place where consideration has purpose in chastisement. One of the purposes of scripture is to correct. Not just the way we believe, the way we are living our lives.

Deuteronomy 8:5 says: "Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the Lord thy God chasteneth thee" (KJV).

In the Hebrew, chasten is yasar, this means to discipline and admonish. Like a father may discipline and admonish his son, so also shall our God discipline and admonish us as we strive toward spiritual perfection.

Consideration of the Past

What makes each individual unique is their own past experience? Going further, the past experience and lives of those who have lived before us. Deuteronomy 32:7 provides this insight:

Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee. (KJV)

We learn from our elders and inherit their legacy of faith. Taking into consideration of not only our past, the past history of humanity and the teachings, experiences, and the faith exemplified in the many lives of men and women of God; we come to learn a great deal.

Consideration of the end of life

As Christians, we look forward to that blessed hope of standing before Jesus Christ. We come to know that this life has purpose and meaning. That purpose and meaning is to enter into an eternal rest.

Keeping with Deuteronomy, we read the following:

O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end! (Deut. 32:29, KJV).

We are not only considering our past and the legacy of those who have come before us, we are also to consider and come to understand the legacy we also will leave behind for those who will come after us.

Consideration of God's Providential Blessings

We merely do not reflect on the words of God, the teachings inspired by His Holy Word; we are also tasked with the consideration of His providential blessings over our own lives. 1 Samuel 12:24 shares this: "Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you." (KJV). By reflecting on the blessings we have received, we come to understand God with a praise of gratitude.

When we begin to consider the things of God, we come to understand God's wonderful works (see Job 37:14). We also come to understand God's divine interest in mankind (see, Psalm 8:3-4). We also come to see how we develop a disappointment toward a worldly life (see, Haggai 1:6). We are to learn from nature as well (see, Matthew 6:28-29). More importantly, we are to consider the matchless life of Jesus Christ, (see Hebrews 12:3).

If we are to truly come to understand the things of God, we must take the time to consider all things in relation to God.