Wise Counsel

Life does not happen without bumps and bruises. Thanks to our fallen nature, we often find ourselves in situations where we're faced with drastic decisions that can make or break business deals, scholastic or career paths, relationships and more. At these uncertain times where we may feel confused, lost or just down-right stumped, how can we maximize the potential for making the best decision? The answer: wise counsel.

"Plans go wrong for lack of advice;  many advisers bring success." Proverbs 15:2 NLT

As a human who's lived longer than a second, I've come to realize I don't have all the answers. Sadly, not only have I made decisions in the past without seeking counsel, I've also made decisions in spite of wise counsel. These decisions inevitably end up costing me time, money and pain. Oh how I wish I would have taken the words of Proverbs 15:2 to heart! Whether it was my pride convincing me I was more than capable of making decisions on my own or a lack of life experience, these past decisions persist as feelings of regret.

Fortunately wise counsel is everywhere! Or... is it? We live in a time where we are more connected and more marketed to than any other generation before. In an instant, we can access information on any subject, anytime, anywhere; advertisements for the latest self-help books, support-groups and leadership conferences bombard us at unprecedented rates; friends we knew in the past but no longer have real relationships with provide opinions about our lives on all the popular social sites. With all of the potential "counsel" that comes at us from all directions, how can we know for sure what counsel is actually wise? Surely, not all counsel is directed by God (1 John 4:1)!

"... test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good." 1 Thessalonians 5:21

In 1st Thessalonians 5:21, the Apostle Paul instructs the church in Thessalonica to test everything and to hold on to what is good. But what is "good"? As Christ-followers, we believe the Bible is God-breathed and is useful to teach us what is true (2 Timothy 3:16). To discern whether or not the counsel we receive is wise or whack, we must test the counsel we receive against God's word!

"Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage [...] people with good teaching." 2 Timothy 4:2

Receiving wise counsel is one thing; giving it is another! How can we provide wise counsel to others? This time, in 2 Timothy 4:2, the Apostle Paul instructs Timothy to be prepared to communicate God's truth to others at all times. As Christ-followers, we must do our best to consistently learn from God's word. By familiarizing ourselves with the Bible, we become sharper tools for Christ and the wisdom we gain from it can then be used to counsel others!

Are you in a situation where you're faced with a decision that can have drastic consequences? If you aren't now, the time will come where you will be! Seek first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33), pursue wise counsel and then, if the counsel you receive seems legit, confirm it as such by stacking it up against God's word!

Do you find that people are drawn to you for advice? Make sure you put aside time on a consistent basis to dive into God's word. When you do, not only will you be able to give wise counsel, you will be more able to test the counsel you receive!

The Wisest Counselor

As humans, we are characterized by the inability to make a decision that takes every single piece of information into account. Decisions like where to live, what car to buy, who to marry, who to hang out with and how to live our lives are very important decisions that can have major consequences if the right decisions are not made. Because we are finite (or limited) in the amount of knowledge that we possess, those of us who are wise seek counsel when making a decision that requires a lot of attention to detail. To facilitate our efforts in making sure our decisions take into account as much information as possible, we have devised practices like checks and balances, boards of directors, congress, etc. Even so, none of us are perfect and, more times than not, our decisions turn out lacking complete wisdom.

So when hard decisions come our way, what should we do? Should we depend on human knowledge to help us through? No, as Christians we have the awesome ability to know the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:10-16). Through the light of Holy Spirit's direction and the Word of God, we are able to find our footing and walk where the Lord guides us. Sadly, instead of seeking the wisdom and counsel of God found in the Bible and through fellowship with Him, many times we seek the counsel of those who who think that the guidance of the Holy Spirit is foolish (1 Corinthians 2:14)--those who are not Christ-followers. The problem with seeking the counsel of those who believe the Word of God is foolish is that we're back at square one: the counsel we are receiving is fallible and does not take all information into account.

Isaiah 40:12-15 reminds us that, when it comes down to it, God knows everything and His counsel cannot be topped, "Who else has held the oceans in His hand? Who has measured off the heavens with His fingers? Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale? Who is able to advise the Spirit of the Lord? Who knows enough to give Him advice or teach Him? Has the Lord ever needed anyone’s advice? Does He need instruction about what is good? Did someone teach Him what is right or show Him the path of justice? No, for all the nations of the world are but a drop in the bucket. They are nothing more than dust on the scales. He picks up the whole earth as though it were a grain of sand."

Do you allow the will of God to be your ultimate decision maker? Do you involve prayer, meditation of scripture and fellowship with fellow believers in all of the decisions you are faced with? God is so much bigger than what we comprehend Him to be; we have no room to boast about our wisdom because the wisest of counsel here on Earth is much worse than even the least from God (1 Corinthians 1:25). No one can teach Him and no one can trump His knowledge. So, as Christians, the deciding factor in all that we do should be His will. We must meditate on the Word of God and allow our lives to conform to the life He wants for us, not the patterns of this world. Throughout your day, be aware of the amount of decisions you make and strive to seek the counsel of God in order to find what it is He wants you to do. You will find that His counsel is perfect and just, and through your trust in Him, your relationship with and dedication to Him will grow.