Self-consultation
"Then I consulted with myself." The power of con-suiting with himself is one of the chief things which distinguish men from brutes. A man can be both the subject and the object of his own thought; as if there were in him two persons—one thinking, feeling, suggesting, etc.; the other observing the processes, judging of their worth, and determining accordingly. "My heart consulted with me," says Nehemiah (translating literally). "Commune with your own heart," says the Psalmist (Psalms 4:4). The exercise of this power of self-consultation, or reflection, is of the utmost importance to the wise direction of our lives. "A reflecting mind," says an ancient writer, "is the spring and source of every good thing;" although it must be acknowledged that it may become the source of the worst wickedness. For the evil which is deliberately planned is far worse than that which is unpremeditated.
I. ON WHAT WE SHOULD CONSULT OURSELVES.
1. With respect to personal religion. Our condition before God, and in view of eternity. Our sins—their peculiar nature, aggravations, etc. Our duty to God and ourselves in view of them—repentance, confession of sin, faith in Christ, self-surrender to God, a new life. Or, again, a higher and fuller Christian life than we have hitherto lived. What we must encounter if we adopt the better course. A Christian life growing out of reflection will be richer, nobler, more decided, and more stable than one which springs merely from emotion.
2. With respect to our work. What we are best fitted for, and have opportunity to do. How it can be best done. What are its difficulties, and how they can be surmounted. Motives to its performance. Work thus begun and conducted will be done wisely and confidently, and be likely to succeed.
II. THE CONDITIONS OF SUCCESSFUL SELF-CONSULTATION.
1. That it be conducted with the aid of the best advisers. The two within us consulting must call in a third—the all-wise God (comp. Psalms 25:4, Psalms 25:5; Psalms 139:23, Psalms 139:24). And all that can help us to the understanding of his will should be welcomed.
2. That it be accompanied with serious purpose. To do what is seen to be right and wise. "If any man wills to do his will, he shall know," etc.
3. That it be followed by corresponding practice. Consideration may be too prolonged. Some go through life "considering,'' or pretending to do so, as to the plainest duties; perhaps also they "resolve and re-resolve," yet "die the same."