"Plans
go wrong for lack of advice; many counselors bring success. Everyone enjoys a
fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!"
(Proverbs 15:22-23,NLT) I thank the Lord for my wife's good sense. Too many times to count she has provided me
with a perspective that helps me find the right balance, or she has wisely
steered me away from some impetuous, regrettable action. In our church, I am doubly thankful for our
leadership team, men and women who bring wisdom to our planning and programs.
King David enjoyed the counsel of good friends. He nicknamed
his inner circle, "the Mighty Men."
The Bible says "David’s
Mighty Men, ...linked arms with him as he took up his kingship..." (1
Chronicles 11:10, The Message) They
were his allies, offering encouragement, surrounding him with support.
In the book of the Acts which tells us the stories of the
first generation of the Church. When they faced thorny issues councils were called
and God’s wisdom emerged. Peter and Paul were decisive and bold leaders, but
they were also willing to let God speak to them through the counsel of from the
Body. Sometimes the debate was sharp and words pointed! Feelings got hurt,
too. But, with the help of the Spirit,
those early church leaders kept their eyes on the goal and built Christ's
Kingdom, not their own!
Who are your ‘mighty
men?’
Are there people in your life that you have invited to speak
truthfully to you, no matter the situation?
Are you a "Lone Ranger" trying to live self-sufficiently?
Jesus calls us into the community
of the Church. That means more than coming
together for worship on Sunday morning. He asks us to lay down our ego, to 'die
to self,' and to become servants to one another. In obedience, we gain so much. Our society loves radical individualism. We are quick to discard relationships with
those who challenge us, who offer counsel that does not soothe us, or seem to
affirm us. Let's take that descriptive
line from the experience of the Mighty Men and 'link arms!' Let's go beyond romantic notions of fellowship
that only values the 'warm fuzzies' that come from the good times of fun and
laughter, to build a real team that builds our character, that calls the
highest and best from us in the cause of Christ.
Take this word from the Word with you today. Ask God, the Spirit, to teach you how to
build a circle of counselors in your life.
"Two
people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return
for their labor.
If
one person falls, the other can reach out and help.
But
people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble.
And
on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other.
But
how can one be warm alone?
A
person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand
back-to-back and conquer.
Three
are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken."
(Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, NLT)
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