Why should we consider our ways? Considering one’s ways is a distinct privilege. No creature but a human being can say “…I commune with mine own heart, and my spirit maketh diligent search” (Psa.77:6). We are able to say, “I thought on my ways…” (Psa. ll9:59). We are made in the image of God (Gen. l:26) but a little lower than God (Psa. 8:5). With this advantage, we have been given the high capacity to reason and make judgments. Consider the way in which you go, “keep thy foot [and] draw near to hear” what God has said (Eccl. 5:l). “Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, and lean not upon thine own understanding: in all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will direct thy paths” (Prov. 3:5-6). The loving kindness of our Heavenly Father has granted unto us the prerogative and privilege to choose to obey his commands. Obviously, it is good to consider our ways.
It is good to consider our ways because it is our duty toward God. Paul commanded the Corinthians to “try your own selves…prove your own selves” (II Cor. l3:5). It is God’s will that we look into our heart and examine our spiritual condition (Gal. 6:4).
There is also a duty to self as well. Since we all must give account and “appear before the judgment-seat of Christ”, we owe it to ourselves to consider our ways (II Cor. 5:10). Our eternal destiny is on the line. Everyone is making their future by the way they live in the present. Therefore, it behooves us all to consider our ways.
What about the advantage of introspection in the here and now? No one will truly know his own heart except he frequently looks inward and make a review of the goings on of the inner man and that which proceeds from the heart. Christians also need to “have their senses exercised to discern good and evil” (Heb. 5: 14). Then we can take in solid food, the meat of the word, and achieve spiritual growth. This way we can avoid being a “doubleminded man, unstable in all his ways” (James l:8). As one writer expressed it, “evil is wrought by want of thought”. We need to consider our ways.
When you consider your ways, consider (1) if they are right and according to truth, (2) if your motives are pure, and (3) if the desired results come about. God’s summons to reflection is in view of man’s highest and best interest. In other words, God tells us to look at our ways for our own good. “Now therefore, thus sayeth Jehovah of hosts: consider your ways” (Haggai l :5).
– Paul Clements
Paul Clements, a member of the Eastern Meadows Church of Christ, is a retired choral director and retired minister who has also served as an elder in churches where he was located.
