Greetings,
As we move into another Gregorian calendar year the world around us speculates about what might lie ahead. With God generally not in the picture it seems that little is learned from actions and events of the previous year. We, on the other hand, are striving to keep God front and center in our lives and it would not hurt at all for us to take some time now to engage in some reflection; that is, to think deeply and carefully about our lives. A few years ago a book was published that had the simple title “Consider.” It contained a working definition of what it means to reflect: “The deliberate act of stepping back from daily habits and routines … where meaning is derived through reconsideration of fundamental assumptions … considering consequences of past decisions and the downside of future actions.” From time to time we need to deliberately step back and take time to think deeply about our lives. This can be quite general or very specific, depending what is going on in our lives.
How often do we base our thoughts and/or actions on fundamental assumptions we have made—possibly justified assumptions and possibly not? When we hear of a situation regarding another person the natural tendency is to be swayed by what has been firstly presented to us. Unfortunately that often inclines us toward believing the negative about someone else. The value of reflection can help prevent this occurring. We are told in Proverbs 18:17 that “The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him.” This is commonly known as “the doctrine of the first encounter.” The fundamental assumption is that the first person to present a case seems to be correct in his determination of the “right and wrong” of the given situation. By not jumping in and acting immediately, by giving a little time to reflect (stepping back) and getting more information, we are more likely to arrive at the truth.
Another godly principle, which highlights the value of reflection would be that of taking the time to seek input before committing to action. Considering the consequences of past and future actions is certainly a wise option. “In a multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 24:6). In using a multitude of counselors one would be considering consequences from different angles and deliberately stepping back to reflect on the decision at hand. Deriving meaning is one of the values of seeking counsel.
Reflection is a good, practical tool for anyone to employ. A closely related activity we are encouraged to employ is meditation – to ponder or roll something around in the mind. Many principles we need to incorporate into our daily living from God’s Word are simple and make good common sense. We need to be reading the examples laid out for us in the Bible and then we need to take time to reflect upon them. The apostle Paul encouraged fellow minister Timothy to take time to think deeply in regard to the work of his ministry. “Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all” (1 Timothy 4:13-15). Set some time aside to think deeply and carefully about our great God and the way of life He has called us to.
Warm Regards,
Brian Orchard
