When it seems you have just too much to consider, start here
By Dean Collins
There’s a lot to consider these days. It seems there is too much.
To consider is to contemplate, to think about carefully, to study something. This requires some time and commitment. All of us have considered many factors when there was an important decision to be made. But sometimes the outcomes of our decisions suggest that maybe we actually didn’t think carefully enough, long enough. We sometimes allow convenience, selfishness, and conflict avoidance to win out over actually thinking things out.
Consider prayer
As followers of Jesus, considering something should include prayer. After all, the One we follow often spent time in prayer. Maybe the greatest example of prayer while considering something happened on the night Jesus was betrayed. We know from the Gospel narratives that Jesus agonized in prayer, even asking the Father if this cup could be removed. He finished that prayer with, “Not my will but yours be done.” Jesus considered, he prayed, he decided, and he obeyed.
As I said in the beginning, there’s a lot to consider these days. Some are considering vaccinations and booster shots and masks. Some have financial decisions to make and others have employment or family matters to consider. Some brothers and sisters in Christ are facing decisions with greater risk than any of us in the United States have had to suffer. Many women, children, and Christ-followers will face hostility, persecution, abuse, and even death under the regime of the Taliban. These people need our consistent prayers. Following Jesus comes with great danger many places in the world. The least we can do is consider praying daily for our brothers and sisters.
Consider Jesus
The first 6 verses of Hebrews 3 implore us to consider Jesus. Maybe we start by remembering that he called us to follow him. Then of course we must consider his death on the cross for our sins. We can’t consider Jesus without considering his instructions in the Sermon on the Mount or his teachings throughout the Gospels. We must consider that Jesus was and is faithful in all things and that we are now a part of the house he is building. The body of Christ must come together in service to God and on behalf of all believers to consider our confidence in God during hard times. One way we do this is to pray for our brothers and sisters in need. We must also pray that God will lead us to help whenever it is possible to do so.
Consider ourselves
But maybe the greatest thing to consider is to evaluate our own attitudes and behaviors. Maybe we should ask ourselves some direct questions. Even better, maybe we include God in our self-evaluation. Do any of my behaviors suggest selfishness? Am I considerate and kind to others even when I disagree with someone? Am I willing to follow Jesus if it requires more of my time or other resources?
Today starts a new academic year at Point University. Many of our students are not yet following Jesus. We welcome them. We prayed for them to come. As we begin this year, I ask that you consider praying for us. Pray for the students who don’t know Jesus to come to know his love and forgiveness. Pray for those who do follow Jesus to be faithful to God and this community as we serve each other and fulfill our mission. Pray for God’s provision of every resource we need this year. Pray for all Christ-centered colleges to experience the favor of God in this season.
There’s a lot to consider these days. The most important to consider is Jesus. He is worthy of not just our consideration, but especially of our praise.
Your time with God’s Word
Hebrews 3:1-6 ESV
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