| Christian Life and Doctrine | April 1961 |
Considerations of the Christian
“Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?” —Ecclesiastes 7:13
CONSIDERATION of the different creations of God, sometimes called “nature,” should become more and more valuable to us as Christians. Not only should we look upon these as being beautiful, but also as reflecting the glory of our Heavenly Father.
Jesus had this thought, telling his disciples to “consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not.” (Luke 12:27) This was a lesson illustrating complete confidence in God and his watchcare over us. If God is able to clothe these flowers with such beauty without their toiling for it, how much more will he take care of his children?
David also pointed to the creation of God saying, “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man that thou art mindful of him?” (Ps. 8:3-4) Here David, awe-inspired by the silent wonders of the universe, draws a spiritual lesson from what he saw.
David’s thoughts were not those of some today, who inquire, “When I consider the heavens, I wonder how long till we can get to the moon?” What a mistake they make, not realizing that the “fear [reverence] of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” (Prov. 1:7) How humble were David’s considerations; certainly they were not the wisdom of this world. Most people of the world take life’s blessings for granted, feeling that they deserve every one of them. And then, to top it off, some are thinking of “conquering outer space.”
But to David the universe held a different lesson than many see in it today. To him, to study the heavens was one way of contrasting the Creator, who hung the moon and stars in the sky, with small men who were only given eyes to see them hanging there. Truly “the heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.”—Ps. 19:1-3
“The Spirit Itself Beareth Witness”—Romans 8:16
THIS scripture finds fulfillment in many ways in the everyday life of a Spirit-begotten child of God. But notice particularly how it affects our impression of things we observe. Paul says that the “Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” What a wonderful relationship this shows between the Lord and his people!
One example of God’s Spirit testifying or witnessing to us of our sonship is that as we grow in grace and love we begin to relate everything around us to the divine plan, whether it is God’s handiwork, or his sore punishments for transgression. The more we reason upon these things and study his Word “all nature” begins to be in harmony and unity with God. There can be no doubt that the main influence of these thoughts is the “Spirit of God working in us”; thus our heart is enlarged with the perfect way of our Maker, which tells us that now we really know “our Father which art in heaven.”—Matt. 6:9
“He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: that in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.”—Eph. 1:8-10
These inspired words of Paul contain the over-all object of God’s plan, which is to “gather together in one all things in Christ,” both in heaven and in earth. And this is surely a “mystery” to the world. How appreciative we should be that God had this “good pleasure” to make these things known to us by his Holy Spirit. It is this understanding of God’s will that enables us to look out over the world with sympathy, and realize that there is a purpose for everything that the people are encountering. We know that shortly “the Sun of Righteousness [shall] arise with healing in his wings” for all of them.—Mal. 4:2
“Consider the Work of God”
IN OUR text Solomon asks the question, “Who can make that straight, which he [God] hath made crooked?” He shows what limited power man is given and how little he really can say about the way God is controlling things. For even if all were opposed to our doing his will, what would it mean so long as “God be for us”?—Rom. 8:31
God says concerning his own Word, “It shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.”—Isa. 55:8,11
As we consider the “work of God,” we see the fixed laws he has ordained to control it, and how all of his creations are established upon a firm foundation. From these creative works of God we may gain a lesson, and rest assured that the spiritual promises of God are just as “fixed” and, like all his works, are founded upon a firm foundation, which is centered in Christ, the Lord.
Other Considerations
BESIDES considering nature, there are other things to take into account. In Hebrews 3:1 Paul writes, “Wherefore holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus.” Certainly, this is of vital importance to those in the narrow way. He is our Model and Head, and “was in all points tempted like as we are.” “We have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.” “Consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”—Heb. 4:15; 12:3
Another creation we have the privilege of considering, which is not in the material world, but just as truly beautiful, is the “new creation.” What reflection of God’s divine love is shown in these minds! And do we realize that the poor groaning world “waiteth for the manifestation” of this work of God?—II Cor. 5:17, Diaglott; Rom. 8:19-22
Christ said that we should “love one another” as he loved us. (John 15:12) This involves seeing the good, as much as possible, in all of our brethren. The true consideration of our brethren is not constantly to look at their mistakes and shortcomings and feel it our duty to correct them. No, our proper duty is to lay down our lives for them. God will do the necessary chastening of “every son whom he receiveth.”—Heb. 12:6
Of course, God’s people have those inherited imperfections which we should try to overlook, but even with these fallen tendencies of the flesh we should radiate the love of God more than they who are of the world. Many times this has been called to our attention by those newly interested in the truth, saying, “I couldn’t help but see all the loving interest you people show for one another.”
Therefore, with these encouragements, “let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.”—Heb. 10:24
Consider the things of nature you see
Reflecting our God and his majesty.
Beholding the works of his mighty hand,
Let’s vow in his grace, forever to stand.
Standing, but never alone will we be,
For his Son is with us eternally!