Consider

“Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands.” (Psalm 119:6)

No one likes to be put to shame yet most of us at some time or another have been shamed. The Psalmist tell us that if we do not want to be put to shame then we should consider all God’s commands.

Consider means to take careful thought about our actions. When the returning exiles we putting off the building the Temple because they believed that it was more important for them to have good houses to live in, the prophet Haggai told the people to consider their ways or to give careful thought to what they were doing. James tells his readers that they are to consider it all joy when trials come because it will result in perseverance and perseverance will result in becoming mature. It is not our normal reaction to rejoice when trials come that is why we must give it careful thought. If we don’t give it our careful thought then we will take a “poor me” attitude.

John tells his readers that if we do not want to be put to shame when our Lord returns then we must continue doing what is right. To continue means that we must persevere which according to James is the result of considering our trials as pure joy.

How do we avoid shame? We must not just give lip service to the commands of God but we must consider all His commands. Then we will not be ashamed at the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.