CONTEMPLATION, MEDITATION, PIORITY ROSS SMITH

CONTEMPLATION, MEDITATION, PRIORITY                                                 ROSS SMITH

ALL REFERENCES ARE FROM AMPLIFIED VERSION UNLESS NOTED

ANOTHER KEY

There are three words that seemingly blend together to form a KEY to our continued progression to spiritual maturity.

These three words are “CONTEMPLATE, MEDITATE and PRIORITY”, and I am tempted to add a further one, “SELAH” as in the Amplified Bible it is repeated 74 times, which suggests it may be a good recommendation.

The expression “CONTEMPLATE YOUR GOD” has been a regular “visitor” or theme to our studies and our remembrance of late. We are well versed in the scriptural injunction for the necessity to keep our minds centred in those things which are both constructive and productive in our spiritual walk. Just for familiarity sake, maybe even for heaven sake, let us reflect on some of these verses.

Philippians 4:8 (NT REF)                 For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honourable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, THINK ON AND WEIGH AND TAKE ACCOUNT of these things [FIX YOUR MINDS ON THEM].

Philippians has provided us with fourteen different categories of suitable subjects for contemplation, not just to ponder, but to THINK ON, and WEIGH AND TAKE ACCOUNT.

1 Chronicles 22:19 (OT REF)         NOW SET YOUR MIND AND HEART to seek (inquire of and require as your vital necessity) the Lord your God. Arise and build the sanctuary of the Lord God, so that the ark of the covenant of the Lord and the holy vessels of God may be brought into the house built to the Name and renown of the Lord.

Daniel 10:12                                       Then he said to me, Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that YOU SET YOUR MIND AND HEART TO UNDERSTAND AND TO HUMBLE YOURSELF before your God, your words were heard, and I have come as a consequence of [and in response to] your words.

Haggai 1:5                                           Now therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: CONSIDER YOUR WAYS AND SET YOUR MIND on what has come to you.

No doubt you can add more content here. It is imperative however that our thinking pattern be correct, for the devil is the mastermind of manipulation of our thoughts, as follows.

The terms “FIX” or “SET” are directions for us to firmly establish our minds, to impose strict control over the matters we ponder, to place our concentration on vital necessities.

1 Corinthians 4:6                              Now I have applied all this [about parties and factions] to myself and Apollos for your sakes, brethren, so that from what I have said of us [as illustrations], you may learn [to think of men in accordance with Scripture and] not to go beyond that which is written, that none of you may be puffed up and inflated with pride and boast in favour of one [minister and teacher] against another.

“In accordance with Scripture” is an important direction because it eliminates our potential to become dependent upon a man, either his personality or his doctrine. Paul writing to the church at Corinth warned that they should not promote the man but promote the gospel. Whilst they are the servants of the churches for Jesus’ sake, and therefore not to be gloried in, but to be respected in their place and station.

1 Co 3:21-23                                       So let no one exult proudly concerning men [boasting of having this or that man as a leader], for all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas (Peter), or the universe or life or death, or the immediate and threatening present or the [subsequent and uncertain] future–all are yours, and you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.

There is a distinct difference now ascribed to the word “MEDITATION” due to the fact that the world has taken this activity up and used it for its own subversive means. The world’s emphasis on meditation is “inward” whereas that which we are encouraged to do is “upward”.

Both MEDITATION and CONTEMPLATION require CONCENTRATION, the first is of our spirit, the second of our mind, the third of our determination.

MEDITATION                             The Psalmist is intimately familiar with “MEDITATION” and he declares that it is,    “the meditation of my heart”. This is, in fact, his attitude, that which directs and controls his whole behaviour pattern.  Even Solomon chips in with a reinforcement when he penned in Proverbs 23:7  For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.  But it goes even deeper than that, “MEDITATION” leads to a much deeper relationship with the Lord, something we all desire, but have missed an important factor in achieving such a result.

Meditation involves replacing our thoughts with His thoughts; It is to train our thoughts. Contemplation involves thinking about His thoughts; it is a train of thought.

Psalm 119:99                                     I have better understanding and deeper insight than all my teachers, BECAUSE YOUR TESTIMONIES ARE MY MEDITATION.

But before you dash off and find a soft cushion and contort yourself into the lotus position, let me try and clarify what our pursuit of “MEDITATION” involves. Meditation consists in concentrating on the Lord and His providence and our participation in His beneficence, His wondrous works (1 Chronicles 16:9), His precepts and ways (Psalm 115:19) and even takes place when we are sleeping when we have filled our mind with His Word.

On the other hand, contemplation involves serious thinking on a particular topic, such as ideas or matters that have evolved through our study of God’s Word. It is this serious “CONTEMPLATION” that returns “virtue and knowledge” to us as proposed in Mark 4:24.

CONTEMPLATE                        “To think carefully about something for a long time” OR “to look at or view with continued attention; observe or study thoughtfully”. One of the great thinkers wrote,

WE THUS DILATE  OUR SPIRITS TO THE SIZE OF THAT WHICH THEY CONTEMPLATE.

—Byron.

It would appear to me that the expression coined by “Byron” sums up the situation precisely and should provide incentive for us to engage in perpetual contemplation, for he is suggesting that our spirits will enlarge in accordance with the matter upon which we meditate/contemplate, and can I recommend “His Inconceivable Greatness”, seen all around us, and a vehicle to elevate our relationship to God.

“CONTEMPLATION” results in an expansion of those things forming in the centre of our MEDITATION. Maybe we could identify it as a “revelation” which we should expect in our preparations and study. Mark 4:24 relates the “measure of thought and study” to the clarity we can draw from God’s Word. Consequently, if those things roundabout us consume inordinate amounts of time in our thought patterns, then the same principle applies, the problem will seem to get bigger.

PRIORITY                       “The fact or condition of being regarded or treated as more important than others”, or alternatively, “something that we do or deal with first because it is more important or urgent than other things. We can only have “ONE” priority, the other things form a list of important items to attend to.

Our PRIORITY defines what our focus is on (or what we are contemplating) and our focus is the signal that attracts our reality. When we feel “under pressure” it is frequently an indication of disorganisation. Our PRIORITY is defined by the choices we make in our daily life and executed in our daily behaviour.

This is why, having “MEDITATED”, our “CONTEMPLATION” then becomes our PRIORITY. Circumstances are often the result of our focus, but circumstances should not establish our priority, it should be the other way around.

And so, I begin to understand what the Psalmist said: –

Psalm 1:1                                             (HAPPY, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather. (so, he now sets his proper priority … comments mine) But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.

Note the order the Psalmist established, and the pattern,

• Meditates              = imbibes the Word
• Contemplates       = ponders
• Prioritises             = studies day and night

The apostle Paul also identified the remedial effects of meditation /contemplation clearly pointing out that continued reflection on that which is  “God Breathed”, that part of his creative genius which we are able and expected to align our lives with, contained within the holy writ and to which we have unlimited recourse, will result in “conformity to God’s will in thought purpose and action”.

2 Timothy 3:16-17                           Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action), So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.

As a consequence, I am sure you will excuse me for “banging on” interminably about, “HIS INCONCEIVABLE GREATNESS” because from my understanding this is a valuable KEY which will unlock unimaginable potential.

SELAH

 

BENEFICIAL THINGS ROSS SMITH

BENEFICIAL THINGS                                                                                               ROSS SMITH  

 

ALL REFERENCES FROM AMPLIFIED BIBLE UNLESS NOTED

Psalm 34:10                                        The young lions lack food and suffer hunger, but they who seek (inquire of and require) the Lord [by right of their need and on the authority of His Word], NONE OF THEM SHALL LACK ANY BENEFICIAL THING.

What do we consider as “BENEFICIAL”, a certain salary, time to ourselves, my hobby or pastime, holidays, recognition or appreciation? Maybe we need to understand “BENEFICIAL”.

Whilst the KJV uses the word “GOOD” the Bible dictionary has a very extensive explanation, which when aggregated is more clearly understood by the Amplified use of “BENEFICIAL”.

We may have to review what we consider as “BENEFICIAL” for most often the things we see as appropriate are associated with our preferences, or our wants or comfort, whereas the intention of the Word of God is that everything should be aligned to our conformity to the plan and program Father has for our lives, His “BENEFICIAL THINGS”.

To ignore this principle is to suggest we lack trust in Fathers concern for our welfare and that we know what is good for us, when in fact, this is exactly the opposite of the matter. Take for instance the following scriptures.

Job 12:7-9                                           For ask now the animals, and they will teach you [that God does not deal with His creatures according to their character]; ask the birds of the air, and they will tell you; Or speak to the earth [with its other forms of life], and it will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare [this truth] to you. Who [is so blind as] not to recognize in all these [that good and evil are promiscuously (An unusual word but meaning “not selective of a single class or person”. Wordweb) scattered throughout nature and human life] THAT IT IS GOD’S HAND WHICH DOES IT [AND GOD’S WAY]?

The wisdom of Job spelt out in this verse makes it plain that all creation, except mankind, is completely cognizant that the absolute control of the universe is directly orchestrated by God, no matter what the circumstance or the condition. It is embarrassing when we have to revert to animals and birds and fish to be reminded of the absolute sovereignty of God.

The intention here, however, is to reinforce the expressions of Doctor Luke when he penned,

Luke 12:27                                          Consider the lilies, how they grow. They neither [wearily] toil nor spin nor weave; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory (his splendour and magnificence) was not arrayed like one of these.

Our wants are different to our needs, but are we able to discriminate effectively to recognise what is “BENEFICIAL” for us? The focus has to be that everything we are involved in HAS TO GLORIFY GOD, which effectively eliminates those things which cater to our earthly appetites.

Society has proposed a traditional list of immediate “basic needs” such as food (including water), shelter and clothing. But the Word of God has some different “basic needs” and Paul gave us a hint.

Philippians 1:10                                So that you may surely LEARN TO SENSE WHAT IS VITAL, and approve and prize what is EXCELLENT AND OF REAL VALUE [recognizing the HIGHEST AND THE BEST, and distinguishing the moral differences], and that you may be untainted and pure and unerring and blameless [so that with hearts sincere and certain and unsullied, you may approach] the day of Christ [not stumbling nor causing others to stumble].

“MORAL DIFFERENCEs” is an important interjection here, it means that we have to understand both the ethics and the ethos. The “ethics” refers to the rules provided by an external source, whereas “ethos” is character. If we stick with the word “MORAL” it refers to an individual’s principles regarding right and wrong where God’s Word and our conscience prevails.

Notice this is a “LEARNING EXPERIENCE”, that means, that we have to engage in the education process of what is appropriate, and that requires that we know the principles (ethics)  and then apply the demands (ethos or conscience). Now not everything is taboo as some would have us believe, nor is everything acceptable as modern society would have us believe, the secularisation of the church has so muddied the waters of what is proper that almost anything now passes as OK, as long as it has the loudest voice.

MODIFIED ETHICS LEADS TO COMPROMISED MORALITY.

But the Word of God poses a warning for us, and it is only as we go through the “learning to sense what is vital” that we will realise the sensitivity and awareness that we need to develop so that we can appropriate the “BENEFICIAL”.

1 Corinthians 6:12                            Everything is permissible (allowable and lawful) for me; but not all things are helpful (Or “BENEFICIAL”   …   comments mine) (good for me to do, expedient and profitable when considered with other things). Everything is lawful for me, but I will not become the slave of anything or be brought under its power.

It was lawful for Paul as he was a Pharisee among Pharisees and so was thoroughly grounded in the law and knew what was permissable. Oh, that I had the discernment of the Apostle, but I fear that some of my decisions lack the “experience” required to be prudent in the way I accept the lessons involved in my “experience”. The discretion Father affords us to make considered decisions if often our downfall, and will continue to be so until we implement what scripture says in,

Matthew 6:33                                    BUT SEEK (AIM AT AND STRIVE AFTER) FIRST OF ALL HIS KINGDOM AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS (HIS WAY OF DOING AND BEING RIGHT), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.      (“First of all,” is the “expedient” bit.   …   comments mine)

This advice from Doctor Matthew is the sequel to what he set out earlier in the chapter where he recognised that we are so concerned and involved with the insignificant, and so he tries to realign our thinking.

Matthew 6:25                                    Therefore I tell you, STOP BEING PERPETUALLY UNEASY (ANXIOUS AND WORRIED) ABOUT YOUR LIFE, (The I, My, Me, Mine syndrome   …   comments mine) what you shall EAT or what you shall DRINK; or about your BODY, what you shall put on. (These are the “insignificant issues that distract   …   comments mine) Is not life greater [in quality] than food, and the body [far above and more excellent] than clothing?

How much time do we expend on a daily basis on our meals, not just the eating part but the procurement, the preparation and not least, the cleaning up? The “what you shall put on” are the insignificant issues that distract us.

Those things referred to by Matthew are not illegal, often necessary, but in the light of eternity are they “BENEFICIAL”? Very few are able to accept this proposition because it means that all my preferences and ambitions and earthly pursuits must succumb to the demands of God’s Word, we need the “EXPEDIENCY”. That may mean that I have to adjust some of my NECESSARY ACTIVITIES, and I have no counsel in how that will occur.

The proper meaning of “EXPEDIENT” is “fit or suitable for the purpose, conducive to advantage” it comes from “expedite” which is to speed up the progress of.

“BENEFICIAL” is a far more personal attribute than “GOOD” for it means “conferring benefit, helpful, involving the personal enjoyment of proceeding, giving an advantage”. So, it is “EXPEDIENT”, or to speed up the process, of recognising and accepting and implementing that which is “BENEFICIAL”.

“BENEFICIAL” or “GOOD” – – There is a confronting example of “EXPEDIENCE” recorded in Luke 14:26. So often we are influenced, coerced, embarrassed into participating in activities which, when thought through, serve only to satisfy mundane appetites, not necessarily our own but sometimes those of others.

Luke 14:26                                          If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his [own] father and mother [in the sense of indifference to or relative disregard for them in comparison with his attitude toward God] and [likewise] his wife and children and brothers and sisters–[yes] and even his own life also–he cannot be My disciple.

Luke is not suggesting we “scrub” our families, but to put into perspective the relative importance. Father is really saying “It’s them or ME”, and as Joshua said in Joshua 24:15 “you make the choice”.

The introduction that the Psalmist used was to describe the condition of young lions who suffer lack and goes on to expand in Psalm 34:10 that the erasure of lack in our case is conditional. We often look to the Lord to meet our needs but have failed to “seek, inquire of and require”.

The “TPT” or “The Passion Translation” of the Bible phrases Psalm 34:10 like this. “Even the strong and wealthy grow weak and hungry, but those who PASSIONATELY PURSUE THE LORD will never lack any good thing.”

It seems unreasonable in the light of Scripture that we should continue to pursue our own agenda, setting goals and cultivating ambitions in accordance with our concept of what is important and to our advantage. Although we may tritely cite our favourite verses, without the necessary implementation of the terms the Scripture is simply an announcement. Take for instance,

Psalm 84:11                                        For the Lord God is a Sun and Shield; the Lord bestows [present] grace and favor and [future] glory (honour, splendor, and heavenly bliss)! NO GOOD (“Beneficial”) THING WILL HE WITHHOLD FROM THOSE WHO WALK UPRIGHTLY. 

Those things specified in Psalm 84, “grace, favour, glory, honour, splendour, heavenly bliss” are truly things “BENEFICIAL” or “GOOD” and they are held in reserve for those who will “WALK UPRIGHTLY”, which causes me amazement that we as His children are not ambitiously seeking to comply.

The word “GOOD” used in the above Scripture is exactly the same Hebrew word as used in Psalm 34:10 as “BENEFICIAL” and with the explanation given by the Psalmist in 84:11 of the benefits that accrue to those who will “WALK UPRIGHTLY” why do we continue to procrastinate and defer the enormous potential offered us?

Progress is a law of life – – where there is life there is growth. We can grow UP, grow OUT and grow OLD, but we are to grow in grace, not necessarily in wealth or power. If the Lord can trust us with these commodities He will pour in of His abundance.

No doubt the question will be asked, “is sickness or trial or temptation “good”? Well, they are if they are serving to refine us and reproduce God’s nature. The apostles address to the Romans effectively disenfranchise any objections we may hold.

Romans 5:3-5                                    Moreover (Means “in addition:   …   comments mine)  [LET US ALSO BE FULL OF JOY NOW!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing (or “accepting”   …   comments mine)  that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And CHARACTER (The “ethos”) [OF THIS SORT] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation. Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us.

Does this answer the question or are you still uncertain as to allow the Lord to prove His faithfulness and providence, do we still place importance on the things we value as “GOOD” or are we rapidly coming to the place where we can experience the promise of second Corinthians 9:8?

2 Corinthians 9:8                              And GOD IS ABLE to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [POSSESSING ENOUGH TO REQUIRE NO AID OR SUPPORT AND FURNISHED IN ABUNDANCE FOR EVERY GOOD WORK AND CHARITABLE DONATION].

Dare I suggest that we no longer ignore the benevolence of our God, for His promise is secure, His providence unlimited, His purpose perpetuated, and our position safely secured if we follow some basic principles: –

• RECOGNISE GOD’s AUTHORITY
• ALWAYS CONSULT HIS WILL
• ALWAYS SEEK GOD’s BLESSING.
• DO ALL TO HIS GLORY

Galatians 5:1-2                                  IN [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off].  (Such as depending on our own wisdom and resources and goals that are not supported by God’s Word   …   comments mine) Notice, it is I, Paul, who tells you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no profit (advantage, avail) to you [FOR IF YOU DISTRUST HIM, YOU CAN GAIN NOTHING FROM HIM].