Very Wise Counsel
Several years ago, when I was in student ministry, I realized how much help I needed in counseling teenagers. I was only 10 years older than some of the students I was ministering to. I researched some educational opportunities and ended up taking on a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling at the University of West Georgia (formerly West Georgia College). I enjoyed learning. I enjoyed the instruction. The education was very practical in helping students navigate the complicated twists and turns of their lives. I learned some things about myself in the process of this education. I learned that I need counsel. I learned that most everyone needs counsel.
About 3 years ago, our church started what we call: Soul Care. This is simply counseling fellow Christ followers from scripture. It’s not fancy and glamorous. It is often hard and frustrating, but necessary to help others see how God is calling them to live. I believe everyone needs counsel and accountability. Accountability is like the rumble strips on the road. The rumble strips save a lot of lives on the highway. I believe counseling saves a lot of lives on the road of life. There are things that come our way in life that seem impossible to navigate until I walk with someone who’s been here before and made it through the struggle.
The Proverb writer (presumably King Solomon) gives great counsel about seeking counsel. Check this out….
7 Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!
And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.
8 If you prize wisdom, she will make you great.
Embrace her, and she will honor you.
9 She will place a lovely wreath on your head;
she will present you with a beautiful crown.”
10 My child, listen to me and do as I say,
and you will have a long, good life.
11 I will teach you wisdom’s ways
and lead you in straight paths.
23 Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of your life (Proverbs 4:7-11,23 NLT)
I needed to hear this today. My heart is under assault from our culture. There are lots of distractions that seek my attention. It is easy to take my eyes of the Lord when the noise around me is so loud and full of pressure. I want to seek the counsel of God’s Word. I want to seek the counsel of godly men who are students of God’s Word too. I want to seek the counsel of people who are wiser than I am. I want to guard my heart. I want to protect my heart. I want to feed my heart from God’s Word and the wise counsel of others.
Pressing On!
Dwayne