Friday, February 13, 2009

Godly Counsel: Part 2

I want to clarify and deepen my thoughts a little on yesterday's posting in regard to hearing God's counsel.
I think God speaks to us in many ways...
Often God uses others to counsel and guide us in the right direction. Pastors are perfect examples of this. I believe God gives them discernment of His word, as well as the talent to teach it to His flock in an understandable way that leads us directly to God.

I think the problem is when we seek others' advice in place of God's. I know I'm guilty of this. I'll ask a couple of my closest friends what I should do, where I should go, or what I should say before I've asked God. Or before I've waited to hear God's response. Then I've got all this advice from my friends bouncing around in my head -- and it's usually good advice, mind you! -- so I'll take their advice without the go-ahead from my Father. And the problem is I'm putting their advice before God's message to me.
I don't doubt that when we're praying to God about something, He often sends people into our lives to answer those prayers. It's also very important to seek out the wisdom of other believers in difficult times, etc. I'm only saying that I personally have learned that it's important to search my heart when I'm seeking His will, and make sure that when I also seek Godly counsel from friends, I'm seeking it from Him first. In that way, I don't put my friends as idols above my Lord. If I've already been on my knees talking to God about it, I'll be able to discern if what my friends are saying is the same as what God wants or wills me to do or say.

1 comment:

  1. Mo, I love reading your blog. It is always encouraging for me to hear what God is teaching you because He is teaching me a lot of the same things in a different way. Its good to see im not the only idiot out there!! kidding, kidding!

    I can definitely relate to this post since I turn to friends a lot for advice. I usually think that they are listening to God "better" than I am, so they are more likely to hear what He is saying and give me Godly advice about the situation. As I type it out it sounds more idiotic than I thought! I must start listening to Him first and trust that He will speak. He no doubt will.

    Isaiah 2:22 - God has brought be back to this verse many times.

    Prayin that you will keep on keepin on!

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