By Brenda Cannon Henley
Life is often confusing. It presents us with difficult choices and some are life changing. If we make the wrong choice, the circumstances can act as a detour in our life and in the lives of those we love. We waste valuable time, often money, and precious resources God wants us to use for our good and His glory. When faced with a decision of importance in the New Year, use three tests proven by time to help make the right choice.
- Does the choice go against Scripture? In other words, has the Word of God already clearly said yes or no to the idea. If the plan is not in harmony with Scripture, then it is not a good one to implement.
- Have we made the choice a matter of earnest prayer? Have we spent time asking God to direct our path and give clear insight about what should be done.
- Have we sought Godly counsel? If we entertain doubt in our mind about an idea or choice, and we cannot come to a solid conclusion about what we should or should not do, then it might be time to seek advice or counsel from those that have already walked the path and made beneficial decisions.
We are taught in Scripture that there is wisdom or benefit in seeking counsel from others. The trick is to seek wise counsel and then be willing to follow Godly advice.
Dr. Curtis Hutson, my employer and pastor for nearly three decades, often said, “If you’re seeking advice, go to an expert in the field with a proven record of success.” He added, “If your vehicle needs a major repair, don’t take it to a man whose car is not running or who has five or ten broken down wrecks piled up around his shop. Go to someone that knows how to fine tune the engine and put you back on the road safely.”
He added one or two illustrations about cooking, writing, and painting. The jest was to seek advice from someone in the field. Choose a person that knows what he is talking about and that has already done the task or put hours into the study of the matter.
The wise man listens to godly advice, accepts instruction continually, and proactively seeks out wisdom.
“Seek not counsel from the ungodly. Seek Godly council from those seasoned saints who you know walk with the Lord.” (Psalm 1:1)
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” (Proverbs 12:15)
What we do today determines what we will become tomorrow. Let’s begin 2020 seeking advice and Godly counsel. The first place to start is the Word of God.
Brenda Cannon Henley can be reached at (409) 781-8788, or
[email protected]
[1-13-2020]
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