Consider Carefully!

Continuing my study of the “fear of the Lord”, I am turning to the first mention I can find of that phrase.  It is found in 2 Chronicles 19:5-7 NIV:

[5] He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. [6] He told them, “Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for mere mortals but for the LORD, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. [7] Now let the fear of the LORD be on you. Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”

I really like these verses as they introduce the concept of representing the Lord.  In this case the judges are representing Him in the judgments they give.  The charge is to “consider carefully” and that seems to be where I struggle, I am so likely to just respond, and not think!  I certainly don’t think very often about how I am representing the Lord.

One could apply this charge “consider carefully” to every area of our life; how we think, how we act, what we pursue, how we spend our money, how we talk about others, etc.  I think I would likely change quite a few things if I were to embrace this charge completely.

At the base level this charge is about representing the Lord. In my mind I can understand this in terms of employment.  I am asked to represent the company that I work for, doing the work they ask and expect, with the quality and same character, moral and ethics, to be a faithful representation of the company and the executives when I am interacting with customers.  My actions can really affect my customers perspective and attitude about my company.

I am reminded of a quote by one of my favorite authors, A. W. Tozer from his book “The Knowledge of the Holy”.  He wrote, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us”!  I could take this the next step and say that how we then represent God to others is the second most important thing.  For many people, the only thoughts they have about God are the result of their interactions with Christians, me included.

Yikes!! That definitely causes me to “consider carefully” my ways, my words, my thoughts, my actions, etc.  How am I representing the Lord?  If someone were to only watch me and interact with me what would their idea of God be like? Am I faithfully representing Him in the way I interact with others in public, when I am frustrated, when I am driving (OUCH), when I am in stores, or airports, when I am tired, when I am at home and talking to my spouse?

Oh Lord, I see in my reflection today many areas where I need to “consider carefully” my ways, that I might better represent You!  Help me Lord!

Amen!