Proper consideration for God’s clear instructions would have prevented transgression in the Garden of Eden. Then, who is there who has not been deeply touched by the righteous consideration of Queen Esther, who put her life on the line as she entreated the King for her people the Jews (Esther 4)? In this moving disclosure of the providence of Almighty God, we see righteous principle rising victoriously over the wicked schemes of evil men. It still does, today!
The prophet Haggai exhorted the stiff-necked and self-satisfied Jews of his day , “…Consider your ways” (Haggai 1:5, 7). He made that declaration because the people were eating, drinking and striving for personal gratification, but they were never satisfied. While they were pursuing what pleased them, they were satisfied to allow the House of God to lie in ruins before their very eyes. In essence, the prophet Haggai asked them, ‘Don’t you know why you are eating and drinking, but are never filled? Can’t you discern why you are always empty and unfulfilled? It is because you are always pushing God out of your lives! You disregard Him!’ The result is always the same where there is not proper consideration of God’s Holy Word! That is disrespect for the holy commandments of God and the failure to love and consider others and their needs.
In his delightful book, Mule Musings, Brother Basil Overton told of an old redneck who rode into town on his mule while his wife walked a few paces behind. A woman who saw the spectacle railed upon the redneck with the question, “Why ain’t ye wife riding, Mister?” He retorted, “She ain’t got no mule!” Apparently, this fellow was not aware of Paul’s words, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her” (Ephesians 5:25 NKJV). Nor, did he appear to have ever heard of the Golden Rule of the Bible, which enjoins, “Just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise” (Luke 6:31).
Plain, human consideration would have one bridle his tongue when sharp words might bring a measure of personal satisfaction but would surely wound a trusting heart. Humble, thankful consideration for others will almost always promote kind words, loving deeds and unselfish sharing of blessings. Little children who witness daily consideration between their parents, with kind words and gratitude for things done for them, will surely grow up into well-adjusted and considerate young men and women. A child, on the other hand, who sees and hears bickering and distrust between those closest to him, is sure to grow up and emulate the same sort of things in his own adult life. The old adage “As a twig is bent, so is the tree inclined!” never fit better than here. “A man who has friends must himself be friendly…” (Proverbs 18:24) if he wishes to have friendship shown to him. This is nothing, more or less, than an extension of the Golden Rule we mentioned earlier. A farmer knows that the kind of harvest he will reap is determined by what kind of seeds he plants. Like begets like! Just so, if we deal with others in a kind and considerate way, we should expect to receive in kind!
Someone has observed, “If you treat a dog with kindness, pet him often and feed him regularly, he’ll never leave you!” Just think! That might even work with husbands and wives!
