CONTEMPLATION

I Was Just Thinking About – CONTEMPLATION.

Contemplation is a word that has both positive and negative implications. Positively, it means thoughtful observation, purpose, intention or expectation. Negatively, it has the element of a religious overtone where one becomes contemplative regarding the inner-self and alternative remedies to deal with one’s conclusions. In some ways, it can be construed as the difference between the objective potential versus a negative alternative.

In a current devotional series by Charles Swindoll on the life choices of Joseph when he was wrongly accused by Potiphar’s wife and cast into prison, Swindoll wrote: "How many of us have maneuvered or plotted to get our own way, only to live to regret it? One of the most embarrassing memories many people have is the day they got what they schemed and manipulated to acquire—only to see it dissolve right in their hands."

Sadly (and subjectively), it is more common than not to observe people who maneuver and plot to get their own way – both among members of the clergy and those who have positions of lay-leadership in churches. There is a jockeying for positions, better remuneration and control (authority). This is done too often independent of ministry vision because of self-interests and sometimes one’s “ups-men-ship.”

In the broader perspective, I try to keep in mind at least two verses in the Word of God. First, Micah 6:7-8 where the question is asked: “What does the Lord require of you? And, the answer given is: “…To do justice, to love kindness (steadfast love)  and to walk humbly with your God.” Second, Philippians 2:3-4. “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” In the MSG:  “Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage.”

Is any of this easy to in this culture and religious environment today? No! Will you sometimes feel stepped upon and bypassed for a position for which you are well-equipped and ready to do? Yes! On a personal level, there are some maxims my wife and I have embraced throughout our lives. (1) A willingness to go anywhere, at any time, to do any work, and at any cost. (2) Our wedding prayer Hymn and current prayer has continued to be: “Teach us YOUR WAY, O Lord…Help us to walk aright, More by faith, less by sight…Teach us YOUR WAY…” (3) An ongoing prayer: “May the Lord grant us insight and discernment so that we find contentment by being in the center of His Will.” (4) An ongoing persuasion: “Our faithful Lord will NEVER withhold any good thing from us if we walk uprightly with Him.

In terms of contemplation, the Apostle Paul arrived at the best positive potential – Philippians 1:20-21, “It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Is this your motivation, earnest expectation and hope?

Prayerfully – Consider these things with me.