Friday, September 14, 2012 -- Wise Counselors (6)

If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. (James 3:13 NLT)

We've been reflecting for several days on what it means to seek wise counsel, where to go, who to seek, and how God's Holy Spirit should be in charge of the whole process.  What really matters, ultimately, is what we do about seeking wisdom and living as a wise person.  Too many of us know so much more than we live.  We know what we "ought" to do but sadly, sometimes never quite getting around to acting on that knowledge.  So, today, it's inventory taking time.  As I look over my recent past, how would I answer these questions?

1. What trustworthy persons has God given me with whom I can share openly and honestly?

2. In what ways, recently, have I sought to broaden the circle of Godly counselors who can speak God’s word to me?

3. What do I do with feedback I am given that I don’t like?

4. How do I use God’s word to give me guidance and counsel? 

5. What is God’s plan for the church and how is it to be a part of my life?

That 5th and final question might seem strangely out of place in the list and yet the church is the place that God emphasizes over and over again in the Bible as a place of wisdom we should not neglect.

Jesus left his followers with a specific command that goes down through the ages:  Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. (Matthew 28:19-20 NLT)

Early church leaders were instructed in the following way: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.  For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. (2 Timothy 2:2-4 NLT)

Wise people make themselves available for correction and encouragement that challenges their first tendencies.  God has lovingly prepared a truly special place where we can find this wisdom.  It's the church.  What a wonderful place to seek wisdom on a regular basis.