To “consider” something is to closely examine the matter. It is more than just a casual glance. It is an in-depth study of a particular subject. Biblically speaking, it means to contemplate, dwell on, or dig deeper into spiritual truths. By striving to understand God’s Word, we mature spiritually in our Christian walk. The Bible offers us numerous scriptural truths to reflect on.
In requesting a king, the Israelites had rejected God. In his farewell speech to them, the prophet Samuel addressed their disobedience and exhorted them to serve the Lord and turn away from the worship of idols. “Be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you” (1 Sam. 12:24 NIV1984). Earlier in verses 7-18, Samuel had confronted them with evidence “as to all the righteous acts performed by the Lord” for them. Sadly, they did not choose to dwell on such weighty matters for long.
Are we not also to “consider” all the things God has done for us? He gives us countless blessings, protects us in times of danger, forgives our sins, and disciplines us when necessary. No one has or will ever love us like God does. We should make it a priority to examine closely and meditate on His goodness toward us.
“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!… When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?” (Psalm 8:1, 3-4). Seeing towering mountains, breathtaking sunsets, scenic forests, tranquil lakes, star-studded night skies, and many more beautiful sights, it would be incomprehensible to take just a quick glance and walk away unaffected. It should be natural to dwell upon God’s wondrous works, stirring within us a greater love and appreciation for Him.
“Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the Lord” (Psalm 107:43). The psalmist wrote these words after recounting the many times God had delivered the disobedient Israelites from their troubles. Wisdom is more than just intelligence. For Christians, especially, it means taking time out to recognize God’s love and ponder this great truth. The more we seek to know and understand His great love, the more our lives will be changed, giving evidence to the world of our close relationship with God. “Great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies” (Psalm 108:4).
We are often guilty of worrying about life, what we should eat, or what we should wear. Jesus said life is more than that. “Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn, yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds… your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Luke 12:24, 30-31).
Here are other considerations we should heed. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves” (Phil. 2:3). “Consider it pure joy…whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (James 1:2-3). “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Heb. 10:23-24). Grasping these truths will lead to a greater understanding of God’s will.
