Counsel

Many years ago, I served as a student pastor. I actually served in the role for just over 20 years. I remember being asked for counsel a lot during that season of my life. I even went back to school and earned a master’s degree in Adolescent Counseling because I felt so inadequate to counsel some of my students and also their parents as they navigated probably the most formative years of their lives.

I learned the danger of bad counsel. I also learned the value of wise counsel. One of my biggest “take-a-ways” in the education process was that every counselor needed counsel themselves. I remember pushing back on this a bit when I first heard it. I had a tough spot in ministry when I was counseling four troubled teens at the same time and I came to realize what valuable advice that was. I sought out counseling.  I had no idea that a few months later that I would need help to navigate a failed marriage. I learned more about counseling by being counseled than all my education combined.  I still believe in the value of wise counsel.

Solomon’s son Rehoboam succeeded him as king. The people came to him and asked for leniency on taxes and labor that had been imposed by King Solomon. Rehoboam asked them to give him three days and come back for an answer. He appears to be starting off well. Check this out….

⁶ Then King Rehoboam discussed the matter with the older men who had counseled his father, Solomon. “What is your advice?” he asked. “How should I answer these people?”

⁷ The older counselors replied, “If you are willing to be a servant to these people today and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your loyal subjects.”

⁸ But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the older men and instead asked the opinion of the young men who had grown up with him and were now his advisers.⁹ “What is your advice?” he asked them. “How should I answer these people who want me to lighten the burdens imposed by my father?”

¹⁰ The young men replied, “This is what you should tell those complainers who want a lighter burden: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! ¹¹ Yes, my father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier! My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions!’” (1 Kings 12:6-11 NLT)

I think seeking counsel is a fantastic idea, but I have to be careful WHERE I seek counsel and from WHO.

Seeking counsel does not mean, I will always like what I hear.

I should seek counsel from someone who is older, wiser and more experienced. (Side Note: just because a person is older, does not mean they are wiser in all subjects.)

I think counsel should be measured up against the Word of God which is TRUTH. If someone gives me counsel that contradicts what I know about God’s heart, then I should get away quickly.  Counsel from others should help me see my struggle from multiple angles. Counsel from others should help me make a wise decision NOT make the decision for me.

I have gained so much value and have grown tremendously over the years by seeking wise counsel. I need wisdom from the Lord EVERY day. I also need wisdom from EXPERIENCES of  people around me.

Pressing On!

Dwayne