Together # 40
A Together of Spiritual Growth
A Together of Spiritual Growth
Counsel One Another
copyright by Dick Wulf, 2018
With other Christians, provide biblical advice to one another about God’s ways to handle life and its difficult situations.
Ps 1:1-2; Prov 15:22; Prov 20:18; Prov 27:9; Acts 20:26-2
God wants His people to counsel one another. He does not want us receiving spiritual counsel from the ungodly. Christians are to counsel one another only from deeply considered biblical knowledge and wisdom.
Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
Ps 1:1-2
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
Ps 1:1-2
Since we live under a covenant of grace because Jesus has already come, died and changed things, we should not think of “the law of the Lord” as how we acquire salvation. But, we can consider what the Psalmist calls “the law of the Lord” as God’s way of doing things. It is important to search the whole Bible to know God and how He wants us to handle things.
Counseling one another, then, is passing on God’s wisdom. It is advice that is guided by what we know about God and His ways from the Bible.
Teaching and giving advice are different, although there is some overlap. Teaching one another in close relationships at a single point in time is to be reciprocal. Everyone is teaching everyone else. Knowledge is pooled for the best understanding of Scripture. Teaching, not being applied to a specific situation and person, requires less sensitive delivery. When teaching one another, the focus is on knowledge, not on a specific predicament.
Counsel is usually given to one believer on how to handle a specific situation. However, in arriving at the appropriate counsel, those advising might need a period of teaching one another prior to giving counsel. Then, giving counsel needs to be gentle and sensitive, more than when teaching. Since a person’s individual situation is being addressed, emotions might be unstable. Counsel requires a lot of listening to a person beforehand and usually follows hurting with and then comforting.
When our counsel sounds more like popular culture or secular psychology, we have not prepared enough. Christian words and actions are to be far superior. Our counsel is different than the world’s because it is motivated by God-honoring purpose and then guided by the Bible.
Often we will advise one another to obedience in one or more of the Togethers. From hundreds of Scriptures come the 65 Togethers of Scripture that delineate the nature of relationships within the kingdom of heaven. To live godly lives together, we need to learn them well. Then, when giving advice to other Christians for specific situations, all of these Togethers can be reviewed, and those applicable given as counsel. The 65 Togethers are more difficult and demanding, thus more effective love that leads to holy relationships and interactions for which we are empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Since 65 are a lot to keep in mind, we can see why giving counsel is best done by more than one person. It is difficult for any one Christian to keep in mind all 65 of the Togethers and pick out those that might be helpful to a situation. A collection of Christians giving counsel is always best, even though not very convenient. But, isn’t that a sign of love, that we do things for others when they are not easy to accommodate?
It truly is best when a Christian faces a serious situation that he or she call together his or her Christian Inner Circle for a meeting. Those who can come will best fulfill this expectation that God’s people counsel one another, as our wise God has instructed. Since everyone may not be able to come and give counsel, a few meetings might need to be held. While not the very best, it still would be far better than getting counsel from individual Christians, one at a time.
It is easier for us to dismiss the advice of one person. It is much more difficult to reject advice agreed upon by a small group of those who care about us the most. Even if there is initial resistance, it will usually break down over time with the consistent counsel of a group of one’s closest Christian friends and family members.
There is a lot of power when a group of Christians who know one another well gather in the name of Jesus. Jesus’ promised presence in such small gatherings plus the proven trust of each other leads to more carefully considered advice. After praying for guidance from the Holy Spirit, everyone can recall and introduce different portions of Scripture into the discussion in order to come up with the true counsel of God.
Counseling one another, then, is passing on God’s wisdom. It is advice that is guided by what we know about God and His ways from the Bible.
Teaching and giving advice are different, although there is some overlap. Teaching one another in close relationships at a single point in time is to be reciprocal. Everyone is teaching everyone else. Knowledge is pooled for the best understanding of Scripture. Teaching, not being applied to a specific situation and person, requires less sensitive delivery. When teaching one another, the focus is on knowledge, not on a specific predicament.
Counsel is usually given to one believer on how to handle a specific situation. However, in arriving at the appropriate counsel, those advising might need a period of teaching one another prior to giving counsel. Then, giving counsel needs to be gentle and sensitive, more than when teaching. Since a person’s individual situation is being addressed, emotions might be unstable. Counsel requires a lot of listening to a person beforehand and usually follows hurting with and then comforting.
When our counsel sounds more like popular culture or secular psychology, we have not prepared enough. Christian words and actions are to be far superior. Our counsel is different than the world’s because it is motivated by God-honoring purpose and then guided by the Bible.
Often we will advise one another to obedience in one or more of the Togethers. From hundreds of Scriptures come the 65 Togethers of Scripture that delineate the nature of relationships within the kingdom of heaven. To live godly lives together, we need to learn them well. Then, when giving advice to other Christians for specific situations, all of these Togethers can be reviewed, and those applicable given as counsel. The 65 Togethers are more difficult and demanding, thus more effective love that leads to holy relationships and interactions for which we are empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Since 65 are a lot to keep in mind, we can see why giving counsel is best done by more than one person. It is difficult for any one Christian to keep in mind all 65 of the Togethers and pick out those that might be helpful to a situation. A collection of Christians giving counsel is always best, even though not very convenient. But, isn’t that a sign of love, that we do things for others when they are not easy to accommodate?
It truly is best when a Christian faces a serious situation that he or she call together his or her Christian Inner Circle for a meeting. Those who can come will best fulfill this expectation that God’s people counsel one another, as our wise God has instructed. Since everyone may not be able to come and give counsel, a few meetings might need to be held. While not the very best, it still would be far better than getting counsel from individual Christians, one at a time.
It is easier for us to dismiss the advice of one person. It is much more difficult to reject advice agreed upon by a small group of those who care about us the most. Even if there is initial resistance, it will usually break down over time with the consistent counsel of a group of one’s closest Christian friends and family members.
There is a lot of power when a group of Christians who know one another well gather in the name of Jesus. Jesus’ promised presence in such small gatherings plus the proven trust of each other leads to more carefully considered advice. After praying for guidance from the Holy Spirit, everyone can recall and introduce different portions of Scripture into the discussion in order to come up with the true counsel of God.
When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
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Matt 10:19-20
Often a Christian Inner Circle will give a few biblical options to handle a troublesome situation, all of which would meet the requirement of God’s counsel. Then the Christian seeking and receiving counsel can pick the one he or she thinks matches personality and outlook on life.
This is not to say that in very serious situations, such as dealing with a spouse’s infidelity, it is not good to also seek advice from the elders of our churches. It is their job to give direction in such tragedies. Yet, it still would be more effective if those elders asked the person to bring two or three trusted members of the person’s Christian Inner Circle who should be more familiar with the person as well as the situation.
Still, Christian Inner Circles are the most effectively way for counsel to be given Christians facing trouble and predicaments. The kind of transparency in a person’s Christian Inner Circle will reveal the need for counsel. Besides, church leadership cannot become involved in more than the most harmful of situations.
Counsel from those in our Christian Inner Circles should be quite welcome. If it is not welcomed from Christian friends, members of a Christian family, or a Christian husband or wife, these might be Christian relationships in name only.
Christian Inner Circle relationships should be informed fellowships where knowing what's going on in life should happen at least weekly through natural contact. These in-depth reports will reveal situations and problems to which the Bible speaks. Counsel can then begin.
However, for more serious or delicate situations, meetings ought to be called by the person facing a difficult dilemma, or, if that does not happen, by anyone in the Christian Inner Circle. It is likely that the concerned friend or relative will not know all who are in the person’s CIC, so the person should be asked.
The best way for Christians to get one another to take advice is for everyone to sincerely seek advice themselves. Any Christian who, quite mistakenly of course, thinks he or she knows it all and does not need advice will not help others be open to counsel. Counseling one another must be free of hierarchy. Never should someone feel inferior because another acts superior in the faith. Those giving counsel need to know and act like they are just in need of counsel as anyone else, if not from the person they are presently helping, from more seasoned, faithful believers.
Giving advice to those who do not seek it is difficult. But, if seeking counsel is a frequent event in Christian Inner Circles, it will be much easier for a person to ask for advice. It will be the thing to do rather than be embarrassing. And giving advice will flow without fear of offending.
Living for God His way requires careful consideration of biblical truth followed by counsel from one another whenever necessary.
Opportunity to Become More and More Like Jesus Christ
This is not to say that in very serious situations, such as dealing with a spouse’s infidelity, it is not good to also seek advice from the elders of our churches. It is their job to give direction in such tragedies. Yet, it still would be more effective if those elders asked the person to bring two or three trusted members of the person’s Christian Inner Circle who should be more familiar with the person as well as the situation.
Still, Christian Inner Circles are the most effectively way for counsel to be given Christians facing trouble and predicaments. The kind of transparency in a person’s Christian Inner Circle will reveal the need for counsel. Besides, church leadership cannot become involved in more than the most harmful of situations.
Counsel from those in our Christian Inner Circles should be quite welcome. If it is not welcomed from Christian friends, members of a Christian family, or a Christian husband or wife, these might be Christian relationships in name only.
Christian Inner Circle relationships should be informed fellowships where knowing what's going on in life should happen at least weekly through natural contact. These in-depth reports will reveal situations and problems to which the Bible speaks. Counsel can then begin.
However, for more serious or delicate situations, meetings ought to be called by the person facing a difficult dilemma, or, if that does not happen, by anyone in the Christian Inner Circle. It is likely that the concerned friend or relative will not know all who are in the person’s CIC, so the person should be asked.
The best way for Christians to get one another to take advice is for everyone to sincerely seek advice themselves. Any Christian who, quite mistakenly of course, thinks he or she knows it all and does not need advice will not help others be open to counsel. Counseling one another must be free of hierarchy. Never should someone feel inferior because another acts superior in the faith. Those giving counsel need to know and act like they are just in need of counsel as anyone else, if not from the person they are presently helping, from more seasoned, faithful believers.
Giving advice to those who do not seek it is difficult. But, if seeking counsel is a frequent event in Christian Inner Circles, it will be much easier for a person to ask for advice. It will be the thing to do rather than be embarrassing. And giving advice will flow without fear of offending.
Living for God His way requires careful consideration of biblical truth followed by counsel from one another whenever necessary.
Opportunity to Become More and More Like Jesus Christ
Christina found herself confused and dismayed when she met a stone wall in witnessing to her best friend from high school who just moved back to the city. Since her friend left their neighborhood ten years ago, life has been tragic for her. She has three children, all from different fathers, only one of whom she married and subsequently divorced. Christina’s friend’s life is impoverished, her dreams shattered, and her children are having trouble in school and showing signs they are at risk for delinquency. Christina knows that her friend could benefit from a personal relationship with God through Jesus, but her invitation to know Him and receive His help has been rejected over and over.
Christina shared her frustration with her good friend Flo who prayed with her and then suggested that counsel be sought from their closest Christian friends and relatives. They had a few common close Christian relationships but decided to broaden the circle to include everyone in both of their separate Christian Inner Circles. They invited them all for a dinner at Flo’s home, communicating that after the meal would be a time to give godly counsel about a very complicated situation. Many different godly approaches were discussed. |
Jesus gave advice. Therefore, we can become more and more like Him if we grow in giving one another counsel. Look how much advice He gave in the first third of the Sermon on the Mount.
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matt 5:13-16 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Matt 5:23-24 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. Matt 5:25 |
The advice in this sermon was in response to what the listeners were facing in life. They needed to know how to handle being accused. They wanted to honor God, but they needed to take care of grievances before offering gifts at the altar.
Therefore, to be like Jesus in giving counsel, it is important to be tuned in to what other Christians are going through. Tuning in involves thoughtful consideration of what situations they are facing. Then, it requires careful consideration of what might be their thoughts and feelings about the situations with which they must deal.
Careful listening helps to understand how to present counsel so that it is welcome rather than resisted. For a person to want advice, he or she needs to know that those counseling understand the situation as he or she sees it. For people to be receptive to counsel, the advice needs to be fairly accurate to their problem as they think and feel about it.
Perhaps a ten-year-old girl wants something her friends all own. But, neither she or her family has the money to spend on such a thing. Just advising her that she does not need it will not help, no matter how true. She will probably burst out of the room crying and protesting, “You don’t understand.” While her parent or older sibling will be correct, her accusation will also be right. Unless time is spent to understand why she feels she needs the unneeded item, the parent or older sibling truly does not understand.
The best way to understand how a person thinks and feels about a situation where counsel might be helpful is simply to ask questions before giving any advice or observation. The ten-year-old girl disappointed that she cannot buy whatever her friends have could be asked, “Why did you want one of those?” Perhaps she would answer that her friends are starting a club and the item is necessary to be included. Then it would be clear that telling her she doesn’t need it would be bad advice. And it becomes clear that she needs advice on how to deal with being left out of the club.
For another example, if a friend has a difficult relationship with her mother-in-law, many questions will be necessary to understand what she is up against, both in the way of her mother-in-law’s behavior and her own feelings about her husband’s mother. Fully understanding might reveal many separate issues that could be helped with wise counsel.
For such a complicated problem, it would be best that the mother-in-law situation be explored with a group of friends where different people would ask about different aspects. Then, putting their heads together they could come up with a few different biblical ways to proceed. The one being advised could then choose the suggestion compatible with her personality or way of doing things. That is the counsel most likely to be carried out.
Together, we can give wise biblical counsel as Jesus did. Let’s want to put careful effort into advising one another how to handle life God’s way and enjoy being like Jesus.
Opportunity to Worship God
Therefore, to be like Jesus in giving counsel, it is important to be tuned in to what other Christians are going through. Tuning in involves thoughtful consideration of what situations they are facing. Then, it requires careful consideration of what might be their thoughts and feelings about the situations with which they must deal.
Careful listening helps to understand how to present counsel so that it is welcome rather than resisted. For a person to want advice, he or she needs to know that those counseling understand the situation as he or she sees it. For people to be receptive to counsel, the advice needs to be fairly accurate to their problem as they think and feel about it.
Perhaps a ten-year-old girl wants something her friends all own. But, neither she or her family has the money to spend on such a thing. Just advising her that she does not need it will not help, no matter how true. She will probably burst out of the room crying and protesting, “You don’t understand.” While her parent or older sibling will be correct, her accusation will also be right. Unless time is spent to understand why she feels she needs the unneeded item, the parent or older sibling truly does not understand.
The best way to understand how a person thinks and feels about a situation where counsel might be helpful is simply to ask questions before giving any advice or observation. The ten-year-old girl disappointed that she cannot buy whatever her friends have could be asked, “Why did you want one of those?” Perhaps she would answer that her friends are starting a club and the item is necessary to be included. Then it would be clear that telling her she doesn’t need it would be bad advice. And it becomes clear that she needs advice on how to deal with being left out of the club.
For another example, if a friend has a difficult relationship with her mother-in-law, many questions will be necessary to understand what she is up against, both in the way of her mother-in-law’s behavior and her own feelings about her husband’s mother. Fully understanding might reveal many separate issues that could be helped with wise counsel.
For such a complicated problem, it would be best that the mother-in-law situation be explored with a group of friends where different people would ask about different aspects. Then, putting their heads together they could come up with a few different biblical ways to proceed. The one being advised could then choose the suggestion compatible with her personality or way of doing things. That is the counsel most likely to be carried out.
Together, we can give wise biblical counsel as Jesus did. Let’s want to put careful effort into advising one another how to handle life God’s way and enjoy being like Jesus.
Opportunity to Worship God
Charles was shocked when his close Christian friend Goff showed up at his door in despair because his wife left him for a relationship with her boss. He had come back to their apartment to find a note declaring divorce and all of her things gone. Then, as the weeks passed, Charles saw his friend initiate a number of quick relationships with women, each one too soon and inadvisably done for the purpose of handling the rejection by his wife. Goff had hurt a lot of women, a few known by Charles through church contacts.
Charles was one to stay close to God in meditation on Bible passages that told how the Lord wants his people to live. Therefore, Charles knew that Goff needed his counsel. His first attempts at explaining to his friend that God wanted him to deal with his sorrow differently than getting involved with other women, especially sexually, were quickly dismissed. Later, Goff reacted angrily at Charles continued counsel. Charles wondered if he should keep trying to advise his friend who was drifting away from relationship with the Lord. Charles decided on two things. First, he was going to contact one of Goff’s other Christian friends Charles did not know because they did not have Christian friends in common. Together with that friend, Charles would gently counsel Goff one more time, hoping that the strength in agreed-upon counsel would have enough power to help Goff deal with his situation God’s way. If that did not work, Charles would back off, knowing that counsel had been given. This latter decision was made through understanding that God Himself wrote down in the Bible what He wanted and then stepped back. Charles knew that by mimicking God’s approach, he was within the wisdom of God and actually worshiping Him through reflection back to God His own method of counsel. |
God has given us knowledge and wisdom in our closest Christian relationships so we will counsel one another. When we give one another advice from God’s truth on how to handle life, we worship God by reflecting back to Him that he is the Counselor of the Ages whose advice is always relevant.
It might be tempting to want to see ourselves as wise, but we must resist such pride. Rather, it is God who is wise, and we pass on His wisdom. Wisdom for us is applying God’s wisdom to situations where that counsel is needed.
It might be tempting to want to see ourselves as wise, but we must resist such pride. Rather, it is God who is wise, and we pass on His wisdom. Wisdom for us is applying God’s wisdom to situations where that counsel is needed.
For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
guarding the paths of justice
and watching over the way of his saints.
For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.
Proverbs 2:6-8
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
guarding the paths of justice
and watching over the way of his saints.
For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.
Proverbs 2:6-8
It takes more than just verbal dedication to God to check our ideas against His. It is normal to be thrilled with our own opinions, but godly counsel is only that if it is in line with His counsel. Then it is worship.
This kind of worship that reflects God’s truth in our counsel is all about listening to God and being obediently submissive to His will. First we listen to Him by reading His communication to us in the pages of the Bible. Then, we prayerfully meditate and consider carefully God’s character to determine what He is saying to us through the passage of the Bible we are contemplating. We open our spirit to be led by the Holy Spirit into truth.
This kind of worship that reflects God’s truth in our counsel is all about listening to God and being obediently submissive to His will. First we listen to Him by reading His communication to us in the pages of the Bible. Then, we prayerfully meditate and consider carefully God’s character to determine what He is saying to us through the passage of the Bible we are contemplating. We open our spirit to be led by the Holy Spirit into truth.
“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”
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John 16:12-14
The Apostle Paul tells us that knowing God’s will must be immersed in wisdom and understanding, consistent with who God is
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
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Col 1:9b-10
Ours is a different culture than that of Bible times. So, it is most important in order to know God that we apply His words in Scripture to this culture. So when we seek God’s direction in order to counsel, we must consider the teaching of Scripture in light of that first century culture and alter it to this culture as guided by the character of God. Cultures change, but God does not.
A clear example of this is seeking what the Bible says about women speaking in formal church assemblies.
A clear example of this is seeking what the Bible says about women speaking in formal church assemblies.
For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.
As in all the churches of the saints, the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church. 1 Cor 14:33-35
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Even though Jesus liberated women to equal standing with men, in that first century culture it was expected that women would not speak in religious meetings. Yet, that cannot be our counsel because in our culture it is perfectly acceptable for women, and even children, to speak publically. God must be taken into account to determine the advice we give regarding women speaking in church.
For God shows no partiality.
Romans 2:11
Romans 2:11
Although so totally obvious, we must constantly remind ourselves that nothing is more important than knowing God, not in the sense of being joined to Him through salvation, but in the sense of deeply understanding His character and nature.
Consider if someone asks us if we know our Uncle John. If we have never met Uncle John, we could say we know “of” him. (As nonbelievers can say they know of God as existing or as a myth.) If we have met Uncle John a few times we can say we know some things about him. (As nonbelievers can say they know about God.) But, if we have taken time to get to know who Uncle John is as a person, beyond his role as our uncle, then we can say what he is like. (As nonbelievers cannot say about knowing God.) If then, we are asked what our Uncle John thinks about the environment, for example, we can represent his viewpoint to the extent we have taken time to be in deeper communication with our uncle. If asked what Uncle John thinks of, say, genetic engineering, we would have to spend a lot more time getting to know Uncle John before answering correctly.
This example can make it clear how very important it is to get to know the Person of God, not just the doctrines of the church. Every time we have the privileged opportunity to join with others in counseling someone, we need to know who God is to be able to correctly interpret the application of Scripture to that person’s situation.
Let’s imagine the rather difficult task of counseling a retired couple with more than adequate finances regarding their constant worldwide cruises and road trips in their very expensive motor home. God gave them good careers with great retirement plans, plus social security and inheritances. Until retirement they have been involved in church ministry whenever they could find the time. God has laid their retirement lifestyle on the minds of their Christian Inner Circle. The task of counsel is difficult because there is no one right answer. The Bible does not prohibit cruises and widespread sightseeing.
It is natural to be excited about how God has blessed this retired couple in their latter years. But, the friends wonder, is this what God wants? Just as nothing seems amiss when we hear politicians end their spiel with, “God bless America!”, there is still the question whether the priority should be the reverse – “America bless God” – which is never expressed. President Kennedy in his Inaugural Address on January 20, 1961 spoke of a more correct order when he said, “My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
So, in every chance to counsel, the first consideration is always God. Not what do we want, but what does He want? What is He doing? In this example, does He want the retired couple to use their money more for the work of the Kingdom and wait for heaven for the luxuries, or does He want to reward them now?
Suppose a Christian friend is unfairly fired from a very good job. Does God want him to sue the company for wrongful termination? Is God releasing him from a job to which he has been too addicted in order to have him prioritize his family and stave off delinquency in his oldest son? Is God leading him to another job where God has work for him to do?
Suppose a Christian woman is sexually harassed at work. Does God want her to leave and find a job in a more respectful work environment? Does God want her to work with the human resources department to rectify the situation. Does God want her to sue the company, knowing full well that success is unlikely but that it might make the company more careful about the treatment of women in their workplace? Does the Lord want to the woman to stay and talk to the offending men about their need for Jesus as their Savior and change them through conversion or drive them away because she is less attractive as a devout believer?
As we can see, giving counsel is not a matter of simple Christian rules in many cases. It is clear that we need to be close to God and know His nature to begin to know what He would have us tell the person struggling with a tough situation. To more accurately comprehend the Lord, study of the Bible can be augmented by reading commentaries and asking opinions from more serious Christians.
Listening to those alive and those already in heaven who have studied the Bible and gotten to know God better can help prepare us for counseling others. For example, John Piper, well-known retired preacher and Bible college and seminary chancellor has published a small booklet titled, “Rethinking Retirement: Finishing Life for the Glory of Christ” that could help guide the counsel of the couple caught up in the American retirement dream. Perhaps God wants them to pay more attention to meeting people on cruises to tell them about Jesus rather than gravitating toward fellowship with other Christians on the cruise. Or, maybe they are to join up with those other Christian cruisers and become an evangelistic team on the boat. Or, is it the Lord’s will that they spend their money on Christian missions or world relief and use their more available time interacting with people in their community for whom they previously did not have time?
Let’s seek to get closer to God and understand Him more fully so that we can correctly counsel one another. What a privilege to worship in this way of putting God’s way first, not just for ourselves, but for others, even those resistant to giving up their ways.
How Used in Battle to Defeat Evil and Satan
Consider if someone asks us if we know our Uncle John. If we have never met Uncle John, we could say we know “of” him. (As nonbelievers can say they know of God as existing or as a myth.) If we have met Uncle John a few times we can say we know some things about him. (As nonbelievers can say they know about God.) But, if we have taken time to get to know who Uncle John is as a person, beyond his role as our uncle, then we can say what he is like. (As nonbelievers cannot say about knowing God.) If then, we are asked what our Uncle John thinks about the environment, for example, we can represent his viewpoint to the extent we have taken time to be in deeper communication with our uncle. If asked what Uncle John thinks of, say, genetic engineering, we would have to spend a lot more time getting to know Uncle John before answering correctly.
This example can make it clear how very important it is to get to know the Person of God, not just the doctrines of the church. Every time we have the privileged opportunity to join with others in counseling someone, we need to know who God is to be able to correctly interpret the application of Scripture to that person’s situation.
Let’s imagine the rather difficult task of counseling a retired couple with more than adequate finances regarding their constant worldwide cruises and road trips in their very expensive motor home. God gave them good careers with great retirement plans, plus social security and inheritances. Until retirement they have been involved in church ministry whenever they could find the time. God has laid their retirement lifestyle on the minds of their Christian Inner Circle. The task of counsel is difficult because there is no one right answer. The Bible does not prohibit cruises and widespread sightseeing.
It is natural to be excited about how God has blessed this retired couple in their latter years. But, the friends wonder, is this what God wants? Just as nothing seems amiss when we hear politicians end their spiel with, “God bless America!”, there is still the question whether the priority should be the reverse – “America bless God” – which is never expressed. President Kennedy in his Inaugural Address on January 20, 1961 spoke of a more correct order when he said, “My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
So, in every chance to counsel, the first consideration is always God. Not what do we want, but what does He want? What is He doing? In this example, does He want the retired couple to use their money more for the work of the Kingdom and wait for heaven for the luxuries, or does He want to reward them now?
Suppose a Christian friend is unfairly fired from a very good job. Does God want him to sue the company for wrongful termination? Is God releasing him from a job to which he has been too addicted in order to have him prioritize his family and stave off delinquency in his oldest son? Is God leading him to another job where God has work for him to do?
Suppose a Christian woman is sexually harassed at work. Does God want her to leave and find a job in a more respectful work environment? Does God want her to work with the human resources department to rectify the situation. Does God want her to sue the company, knowing full well that success is unlikely but that it might make the company more careful about the treatment of women in their workplace? Does the Lord want to the woman to stay and talk to the offending men about their need for Jesus as their Savior and change them through conversion or drive them away because she is less attractive as a devout believer?
As we can see, giving counsel is not a matter of simple Christian rules in many cases. It is clear that we need to be close to God and know His nature to begin to know what He would have us tell the person struggling with a tough situation. To more accurately comprehend the Lord, study of the Bible can be augmented by reading commentaries and asking opinions from more serious Christians.
Listening to those alive and those already in heaven who have studied the Bible and gotten to know God better can help prepare us for counseling others. For example, John Piper, well-known retired preacher and Bible college and seminary chancellor has published a small booklet titled, “Rethinking Retirement: Finishing Life for the Glory of Christ” that could help guide the counsel of the couple caught up in the American retirement dream. Perhaps God wants them to pay more attention to meeting people on cruises to tell them about Jesus rather than gravitating toward fellowship with other Christians on the cruise. Or, maybe they are to join up with those other Christian cruisers and become an evangelistic team on the boat. Or, is it the Lord’s will that they spend their money on Christian missions or world relief and use their more available time interacting with people in their community for whom they previously did not have time?
Let’s seek to get closer to God and understand Him more fully so that we can correctly counsel one another. What a privilege to worship in this way of putting God’s way first, not just for ourselves, but for others, even those resistant to giving up their ways.
How Used in Battle to Defeat Evil and Satan
There were many reasons Jim's group decided to meet every other week for four hours. One was that the members were incredibly busy for the Lord. Another important consideration was that the members felt that with a longer time period they could move more easily from superficiality to depth. As a result, during almost every meeting the group goes around the circle and checks to see how everyone is doing in life. Then they counsel each other to help with the more difficult struggles. For example, when Mandy shared that her teenage son wouldn't mind her, the group gave her many suggestions. After one approach failed, the second one worked and her home is happy again.
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The devil is very deceitful and can sound like he is wise. No doubt he is smart, but he is not going to be presenting the counsel of God. As in the Garden of Eden, he might begin sounding like he represents God, but together we must be wary. Another Together that must go hand-in-hand with counseling one another is discerning spirits which instructs that we are to test doctrines, revelations, spirits and ideologies with other Christians in order to ferret out those thoughts and emotions that come from the dark angelic world.
The worldly wisdom that God wants us to avoid is what Satan specializes in and promotes. The counsel of this world is quite often radically opposed to God’s wisdom. Yet sometimes the devil presents his off-true-center wisdom in such a subtle way that we must work together to spot it and resist passing it along. Often the world has successful ways of dealing with problems that are contrary to the ways of God and His people. One example is bending the truth or spinning a story to so it can be interpreted two ways, as we see constantly in advertising. (“20% wider cell phone coverage” implies greater than the rival companies just mentioned about something else when it mean 20% more than their previous low coverage which is still much smaller than their competitors.)
Important to battling Satan and the world’s evil is to resist taking counsel from the devil, usually through the counsel of unbelievers who mean well but lack God’s perspective on things. Good angels are messengers from God for extremely rare situations, and they appear in person and can be seen. They do not put thoughts in our minds, as that is the work of the Holy Spirit living inside of us and communicating God’s will to us. But, the devil and his minions can also communicate with us by putting the wrong thoughts in our minds and even orchestrating events to detour us off of God’s path. Then there are our own wrong thoughts, coming from our own brains that have been taught by the culture in which we live. Fortunately, we can test our thoughts and situations against the Bible’s truth. Any thoughts that do not match up with Scripture are from Satan, once in a while from his personal attention but usually through the sinfulness he planted in the world that has been festering for thousands of years.
Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to “think like a Christian” when with other Christians? It cannot be emphasized enough that Christianity is not an individual experience. Jesus has promised to be with us in our smaller, more intimate gatherings, and His presence almost always drives away thoughts from the old self and silences any unseen evil supernatural spiritual forces that might be vying for an audience. This underlines the necessity of counseling one another in small groups of close, familiar Christians. In counseling one another, we must remember that our thoughts cannot be trusted nearly as much as truth in the Bible.
We still have some parts of our old sinful selves active, and our thoughts can come from them more often than we want. Sometimes something seems like it might not be so bad, and in truth it is the beginning of a trap to get a Christian sucked further into the culture and away from God.
For example, God gives us a break from ministry in our neighborhoods, at our jobs and with our relatives and we find ourselves on a wonderful vacation. The gift of a vacation in a remarkable and enjoyable environment is from God and our thoughts should be full of gratitude. Then, naturally and without warning the idea comes that we would like to move to this enjoyable spot. We might not catch the subtle transition away from the vacation gift to what seems a reasonable dream. But it just might be step one to make us dissatisfied with our lot in life and begin a powerful temptation. We begin day dreaming of a better life than the one we have been given by God that includes a vacation only now and then.
The worldly wisdom that God wants us to avoid is what Satan specializes in and promotes. The counsel of this world is quite often radically opposed to God’s wisdom. Yet sometimes the devil presents his off-true-center wisdom in such a subtle way that we must work together to spot it and resist passing it along. Often the world has successful ways of dealing with problems that are contrary to the ways of God and His people. One example is bending the truth or spinning a story to so it can be interpreted two ways, as we see constantly in advertising. (“20% wider cell phone coverage” implies greater than the rival companies just mentioned about something else when it mean 20% more than their previous low coverage which is still much smaller than their competitors.)
Important to battling Satan and the world’s evil is to resist taking counsel from the devil, usually through the counsel of unbelievers who mean well but lack God’s perspective on things. Good angels are messengers from God for extremely rare situations, and they appear in person and can be seen. They do not put thoughts in our minds, as that is the work of the Holy Spirit living inside of us and communicating God’s will to us. But, the devil and his minions can also communicate with us by putting the wrong thoughts in our minds and even orchestrating events to detour us off of God’s path. Then there are our own wrong thoughts, coming from our own brains that have been taught by the culture in which we live. Fortunately, we can test our thoughts and situations against the Bible’s truth. Any thoughts that do not match up with Scripture are from Satan, once in a while from his personal attention but usually through the sinfulness he planted in the world that has been festering for thousands of years.
Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to “think like a Christian” when with other Christians? It cannot be emphasized enough that Christianity is not an individual experience. Jesus has promised to be with us in our smaller, more intimate gatherings, and His presence almost always drives away thoughts from the old self and silences any unseen evil supernatural spiritual forces that might be vying for an audience. This underlines the necessity of counseling one another in small groups of close, familiar Christians. In counseling one another, we must remember that our thoughts cannot be trusted nearly as much as truth in the Bible.
We still have some parts of our old sinful selves active, and our thoughts can come from them more often than we want. Sometimes something seems like it might not be so bad, and in truth it is the beginning of a trap to get a Christian sucked further into the culture and away from God.
For example, God gives us a break from ministry in our neighborhoods, at our jobs and with our relatives and we find ourselves on a wonderful vacation. The gift of a vacation in a remarkable and enjoyable environment is from God and our thoughts should be full of gratitude. Then, naturally and without warning the idea comes that we would like to move to this enjoyable spot. We might not catch the subtle transition away from the vacation gift to what seems a reasonable dream. But it just might be step one to make us dissatisfied with our lot in life and begin a powerful temptation. We begin day dreaming of a better life than the one we have been given by God that includes a vacation only now and then.
Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. Were you a bondservant when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.) For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a bondservant of Christ. You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men. So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.
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1 Cor 7:20-24
All of a sudden we do not find as much joy in serving God at our job, in our neighborhood or with our relatives. Our mind has subtly been turned from a nice, restful vacation into a yearning that probably cannot be fulfilled but can take us off course from God’s assignments for us. Satan’s strategy is to have us less dedicated to God in our appreciation of His provision, just like he did in the Garden of Eden. The devil wants us less satisfied with life and less focused on the ministry where God has placed us.
Just like a computer that constantly acts up and requires rebooting, we must be renewing our minds all the time. Worldly culture surrounds us and infiltrates our thinking constantly.
Just like a computer that constantly acts up and requires rebooting, we must be renewing our minds all the time. Worldly culture surrounds us and infiltrates our thinking constantly.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
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Romans 12:1-2
This is not a one-time action but a continual tune-up since our old selves are still active in finding a way for us to live our way rather than God’s. If we are to counsel one another from God’s wisdom rather than our culture’s perspective, we must constantly be on our toes to reprimand ourselves when ungodly thinking arises within us.
This strategy of the devil to subtly misrepresent God must be opposed when we counsel one another. When we advise with distorted truth, it is quite dangerous. Since counseling usually comes from trusted Christians we are close to, its influence can be irresistible, so it must be godly.
It is necessary to defy the political correctness of staying out of one another’s business. We are one in the Lord and together we make up a temple to the praise of God. We really cannot have too many weak stones in our sacred building.
This strategy of the devil to subtly misrepresent God must be opposed when we counsel one another. When we advise with distorted truth, it is quite dangerous. Since counseling usually comes from trusted Christians we are close to, its influence can be irresistible, so it must be godly.
It is necessary to defy the political correctness of staying out of one another’s business. We are one in the Lord and together we make up a temple to the praise of God. We really cannot have too many weak stones in our sacred building.
. . . , you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 2:5
1 Peter 2:5
So, when those in our Christian Inner Circles make plans for their lives, we must be ready to give counsel with God’s wisdom. In our individualistic culture, which in so many ways is opposite to the culture of the Kingdom of God, we think that individual plans are only that individual’s business. But, we are at war and the writer of Proverbs tells us differently.
Plans are established by counsel;
by wise guidance wage war.
Prov 20:18
by wise guidance wage war.
Prov 20:18
And, in seeking counsel from those Christians close to us, we need to be careful. It may be that not all of them are good sources for the wisdom of God. Since we are close to them, we can evaluate if those available to counsel us walk the faith well and not just talk the faith. If the person is a good source for godly counsel, there ought to be aspects of their life that seem especially faithful to God. One test is if they tell themselves, “no” from time to time and keep themselves from going down paths with secular values.
Let’s prepare ourselves and counsel one another so that we can fight evil and the devil in the difficult situations of life.
How in the Sinful Environment this Together Prepares Us for Heaven
Let’s prepare ourselves and counsel one another so that we can fight evil and the devil in the difficult situations of life.
How in the Sinful Environment this Together Prepares Us for Heaven
The Davis Family doesn’t know it, but they are preparing for heaven excellently in their weekly family meetings. They have studied from the Bible the instruction to counsel one another and talked about how to make it safe to ask for advice. Dad and Mom convinced the kids that they would have valuable counsel for their parents and ask for advice often. It became usual behavior to ask for counsel all week long, but during the family meetings for really sticky situations.
The Davis Family has a purpose of “helping one another enjoy life and become all that they each can for the glory of God.” They know they have to have a time during the meetings to ask for and give counsel about anything that is hindering progress in anything. They have been doing this for five years now. Everyone is going to go to heaven more ready to seek counsel as well as give it. |
Counsel now before death has two different purposes, one problem-focused and the other challenge-focused. Both prepare us to do only the second in heaven.
Counseling one another that is so critical for defeating Satan now will not prepare us to counsel one another on how to handle sin-caused situations in heaven. There will be no need for counsel regarding problems in heaven. Thankfully, predicaments related to sin will be a thing of the past.
However, heaven will likely have thousands of challenges in the way of new opportunities for which we are not yet prepared. (Talking with angels is just one of millions of not yet experienced adventures awaiting us.) Counsel from one another will be wonderful to help us face these new adventures with the wisdom another has that we do not yet possess. (Many who have arrived in heaven before us will have already had many conversations with angels.) If we have had a history of seeking as well as giving godly advice before dying and entering heaven, then we will be freer to ask for as well as give counsel in heaven for wonderful and unending exploits.
This will magnify our quality of life forever. Those who did little to seek counsel about God’s wisdom will miss many trips, engagements and enterprises in heaven because they will be prone to not seek counsel about opportunities. They will also miss the joy of helping others find more of the treasures in heavenly opportunities if they did not develop their spirits to readily offer counsel. These unfortunates will not recognize they are missing these things because there will be no disappointment or pain in heaven. They will be happy with their more limited experience in heaven because the “more” others will be doing will be above their understanding or further than their desire.
This might need more clarification.
When we take the wrong route to somewhere we are going, that is not sin. Yet, advice can help in those situations. Some of us ask for directions from someone who knows the way we should travel. It will be the same in heaven. Some of us will be more than willing to ask for counsel about the good things we don’t fully understand. This will open up many opportunities.
Then, some of us notice those who seem to not know where they are going and jump at the chance to advise them. They see those tourists, for example, on a street in New York City who appear confused and ask if they can be of help. Some of us will be more than willing to help out with advice so that others can discover new joys in heaven they might otherwise miss.
Therefore, in our Christian Inner Circles we want to be eager to give counsel. We especially do not want to defer to people who seem to be leaders or wiser. We want to prepare for heaven and must get into the “counseling business” ourselves. If we do not have much to advise, we need to get deeper into our Bibles to learn more of the wisdom of God. But, the last thing we should want to do is sit back and let others give all of the godly advice.
It hardly needs to be said, but we should never give advice like a “know-it-all”. We don’t know it all, and any counsel that is worth anything has its source in God Himself. There is no room for pride when we counsel one another.
Furthermore, in our Christian Inner Circles we want to ask for counsel frequently. We must guard against thinking that we know everything and how to handle most situations. And, we must not ever think that we are not important enough to impose our situations on others for their counsel.
Let’s put our hearts into getting ready for heaven in this way. Let’s get real comfortable with counsel, seeking advice and giving it also.
How this Together Can Make It Really Good in Heaven
Counseling one another that is so critical for defeating Satan now will not prepare us to counsel one another on how to handle sin-caused situations in heaven. There will be no need for counsel regarding problems in heaven. Thankfully, predicaments related to sin will be a thing of the past.
However, heaven will likely have thousands of challenges in the way of new opportunities for which we are not yet prepared. (Talking with angels is just one of millions of not yet experienced adventures awaiting us.) Counsel from one another will be wonderful to help us face these new adventures with the wisdom another has that we do not yet possess. (Many who have arrived in heaven before us will have already had many conversations with angels.) If we have had a history of seeking as well as giving godly advice before dying and entering heaven, then we will be freer to ask for as well as give counsel in heaven for wonderful and unending exploits.
This will magnify our quality of life forever. Those who did little to seek counsel about God’s wisdom will miss many trips, engagements and enterprises in heaven because they will be prone to not seek counsel about opportunities. They will also miss the joy of helping others find more of the treasures in heavenly opportunities if they did not develop their spirits to readily offer counsel. These unfortunates will not recognize they are missing these things because there will be no disappointment or pain in heaven. They will be happy with their more limited experience in heaven because the “more” others will be doing will be above their understanding or further than their desire.
This might need more clarification.
When we take the wrong route to somewhere we are going, that is not sin. Yet, advice can help in those situations. Some of us ask for directions from someone who knows the way we should travel. It will be the same in heaven. Some of us will be more than willing to ask for counsel about the good things we don’t fully understand. This will open up many opportunities.
Then, some of us notice those who seem to not know where they are going and jump at the chance to advise them. They see those tourists, for example, on a street in New York City who appear confused and ask if they can be of help. Some of us will be more than willing to help out with advice so that others can discover new joys in heaven they might otherwise miss.
Therefore, in our Christian Inner Circles we want to be eager to give counsel. We especially do not want to defer to people who seem to be leaders or wiser. We want to prepare for heaven and must get into the “counseling business” ourselves. If we do not have much to advise, we need to get deeper into our Bibles to learn more of the wisdom of God. But, the last thing we should want to do is sit back and let others give all of the godly advice.
It hardly needs to be said, but we should never give advice like a “know-it-all”. We don’t know it all, and any counsel that is worth anything has its source in God Himself. There is no room for pride when we counsel one another.
Furthermore, in our Christian Inner Circles we want to ask for counsel frequently. We must guard against thinking that we know everything and how to handle most situations. And, we must not ever think that we are not important enough to impose our situations on others for their counsel.
Let’s put our hearts into getting ready for heaven in this way. Let’s get real comfortable with counsel, seeking advice and giving it also.
How this Together Can Make It Really Good in Heaven
When Clyde and Judith went to retire they wanted to do it right. They were relatively new Christians and still had their initial drive to live for Jesus.
Clyde and Judith had been very successful and built up a bit of wealth. They had too many choices. We were all surprised when they asked for counsel one night in our small group Bible study. Clyde explained that he had owned a small business and was in the habit of asking his employees what they thought ought to be done when difficult situations arose. So, he explained, all of the rest of us in the small group were sure to have advice for he and his wife about their retirement. We had never thought of advising anyone on personal matters that were not problems. And none of us had money as did Clyde and Judith. So, we had asked for a couple of weeks to delve into our Bibles and see their situation more from the eyes of God. Eventually we told them the things we thought a Christian should consider when not controlled by employment requirements. And, boy are we glad now that Clyde and Judith asked us for our “two cents”; well, actually, they asked for God’s ten dollars. Now, here in heaven, those of us from that small group are going around giving advice to others on how to access the joys of heaven that we learn about. Oh, we all learned from Clyde to ask for counsel as well. So here in heaven we uncover all sorts of interesting things to explore. Like they always say, “It doesn’t hurt to ask.” |
How many opportunities available in heaven do we want to have? If there are a billion, and we have forever, don’t we want to experience most of those billion adventures?
For many of these fantastic opportunities we will have questions needing answers. So, if we have prepared ourselves for heaven by counseling one another, we will not be hesitant to ask for advice.
Hearing of the opportunity to be harmlessly struck by lightning to feel a bit of God’s power, we could have different responses. If we did not develop ourselves to ask for counsel, we might just dismiss that adventure as beyond us, not our thing or foolish. But, if we were more automatic in seeking advice, we would at least ask a few questions to be better able to decide whether or not to be a human lightning rod in order to experientially praise God’s power.
Even now, if we enter an amusement park we have never been to, it would be wise to ask those more familiar what are the best rides. If we move to a new city, it would be best to not be independent, the very quality that hurts the church so much. Instead, it would be wisest to ask those we begin to work with and our new neighbors such things as what are the good restaurants, which trash service is the best, where we can find a capable plumber, etc.
Think of how good it will be in heaven to have a spirit that seeks counsel. Imagine a thousand things to do with angels and easily asking other citizens how to go about doing those activities. Imagine thousands of stars and planets to visit and readily seeking counsel on some of them to pave the way for many exciting trips. Even more important, think of many ways to serve and glorify God and assertively asking others how to do such worship.
Now, consider the great benefits of being spontaneous in giving counsel. Every day of eternity we will be able to give advice to open up the heavenly experience for others. Since there is great joy in service, this will be even more wonderful than seeking counsel and going on adventures. Let’s try to grasp how good it will be in heaven to have a spirit that enjoys serving God and others and giving advice so that others might enjoy heaven more.
Opportunity for a Closer Relationship with God through Empathy
For many of these fantastic opportunities we will have questions needing answers. So, if we have prepared ourselves for heaven by counseling one another, we will not be hesitant to ask for advice.
Hearing of the opportunity to be harmlessly struck by lightning to feel a bit of God’s power, we could have different responses. If we did not develop ourselves to ask for counsel, we might just dismiss that adventure as beyond us, not our thing or foolish. But, if we were more automatic in seeking advice, we would at least ask a few questions to be better able to decide whether or not to be a human lightning rod in order to experientially praise God’s power.
Even now, if we enter an amusement park we have never been to, it would be wise to ask those more familiar what are the best rides. If we move to a new city, it would be best to not be independent, the very quality that hurts the church so much. Instead, it would be wisest to ask those we begin to work with and our new neighbors such things as what are the good restaurants, which trash service is the best, where we can find a capable plumber, etc.
Think of how good it will be in heaven to have a spirit that seeks counsel. Imagine a thousand things to do with angels and easily asking other citizens how to go about doing those activities. Imagine thousands of stars and planets to visit and readily seeking counsel on some of them to pave the way for many exciting trips. Even more important, think of many ways to serve and glorify God and assertively asking others how to do such worship.
Now, consider the great benefits of being spontaneous in giving counsel. Every day of eternity we will be able to give advice to open up the heavenly experience for others. Since there is great joy in service, this will be even more wonderful than seeking counsel and going on adventures. Let’s try to grasp how good it will be in heaven to have a spirit that enjoys serving God and others and giving advice so that others might enjoy heaven more.
Opportunity for a Closer Relationship with God through Empathy
That was loads of fun! This morning Mindy came by and asked me if I wanted to go with her to explore an orchid forest I knew nothing about. She learned of it by asking a stranger walking through her favorite park what exciting things that person had done in heaven. By being so comfortable asking for advice, Mindy learned of this exciting place to visit. Then Mindy advised me to join her. And, I did. I am really glad to have a friend who can seek and also give counsel.
I wish I could so easily ask people about what is going on in heaven and how I can get involved. Even though I am growing to be more able to ask for advice, it seems like Mindy is a thousand years ahead of me. I suspect it has to do with her earlier life before death where she developed her spirit to seek and give advice. |
Those of us who before death took seriously the need to offer godly counsel and strove to know God better with regard to His nature, character, and wishes will have a stronger sense of His presence in heaven. It will be kind of like smelling the apple pie by being in the kitchen rather than the lesser fragrance from down the hall.
So important to giving counsel, it is the aspect of searching the Bible to learn more and more of God’s character and the way He would counsel that will create a greater sensitivity to Him in heaven. There, we will be conscious of Him to the extent that we know Him. Just as we are more aware of a loved one in the room with us than we are if he or she is somewhere else in the house, we will be more aware of God the more familiar we are with Him. Another way to look at this is the ability to know who someone is from afar or when they are disguised. The more we know another deep within our spirit, in this case God, the more we will recognize His presence with us. He is always with us, but our ability to sense Him varies.
For example, when we have a sense of revulsion at some injustice, where did it come from? Often it comes from knowing God, how it is so much unlike Him and how much He detests injustice. If we do not know Him well, we will think that the revulsion comes from our morals, just like it does with unbelievers. But, if we sense it as disgusting to God, we sense His presence more than just our moral nature.
A better sense of God’s presence happens now, but is muted by the sin that floats everywhere in our world. However, in heaven God’s presence will be felt unhindered. Alone in our heavenly abode God’s nearness will almost be “touchable”. When with other citizens of heaven, God’s nearness will encapsulate us because of the added presence of God the others bring to the meeting. The strength of our awareness of God’s presence will be proportional to the sensitivity of our spirits developed through various Togethers, one of them being speaking for God in counseling one another now whenever His wisdom can help.
If we had a bakery, would we not be closer to those who handed out our cookies rather than someone else’s cookies? As the baker, we would appreciate most those customers who noticed the cookies, ate a few, and gave many out to others to spread the delights of our baking.
Likewise, there are those believers who pay little attention to how God wants life lived and things done. Their spirituality is based on reading the Bible, perhaps studying it, but not really folding it into their daily lives. Then there are those whose pursuit of knowing the Bible stops with the benefits it can provide for them. They use its wisdom to live Christian lives. Finally, there are those who go further and help others see God’s wisdom for the situations in life that they face.
Just as it makes sense that the baker would prefer to be with the generous cookie eater, God will prefer being with those who counseled others with His wisdom. It seems His presence will be more concentrated with those.
If we were to use the silly analogy of chocolate milk, God’s presence can be like a glass of milk with a hint of chocolate all the way to the richest hot chocolate you can imagine. If God is the chocolate, the more you “use” of Him, the richer the experience.
Let’s seek and give counsel as much as is helpful and look forward to being closer to God in heaven as a result.
Praise and Prayer Regarding this Together
Thank You, Father God, for loving us so much as to fill the pages of our Bibles with Your character and wisdom. Help me to get to know extensively who You are and what pleases You. Help me to understand Your ways more and more and be able to give Your counsel to others for living their lives within Your will.
Help me also to glean from others godly counsel and not depend only on what I comprehend. If there is any pride of self-sufficiency in me, help me to eliminate it. In seeking Your wisdom through the godly counsel of others, may I praise You by my dependence upon You rather than on myself and my thinking.
Ever increasing practice of the Togethers of Scripture will (1) create in you the loving essence of Jesus, (2) give Jesus the kind of love He requested, (3) provide you with the most significant spiritual lifestyle which is attainable only through Christian community, (4) offer significant worship to God by reflecting his own character back to him through your behavior, and (5) bring God’s kingdom to earth as asked for in the Lord’s Prayer. And for heaven, such growing obedience to Scripture now will later (6) qualify you for a more responsible place of service as reward in heaven, and, (7) most important of all, give you greater empathy with God for a closer relationship with Him for all of eternity.
So important to giving counsel, it is the aspect of searching the Bible to learn more and more of God’s character and the way He would counsel that will create a greater sensitivity to Him in heaven. There, we will be conscious of Him to the extent that we know Him. Just as we are more aware of a loved one in the room with us than we are if he or she is somewhere else in the house, we will be more aware of God the more familiar we are with Him. Another way to look at this is the ability to know who someone is from afar or when they are disguised. The more we know another deep within our spirit, in this case God, the more we will recognize His presence with us. He is always with us, but our ability to sense Him varies.
For example, when we have a sense of revulsion at some injustice, where did it come from? Often it comes from knowing God, how it is so much unlike Him and how much He detests injustice. If we do not know Him well, we will think that the revulsion comes from our morals, just like it does with unbelievers. But, if we sense it as disgusting to God, we sense His presence more than just our moral nature.
A better sense of God’s presence happens now, but is muted by the sin that floats everywhere in our world. However, in heaven God’s presence will be felt unhindered. Alone in our heavenly abode God’s nearness will almost be “touchable”. When with other citizens of heaven, God’s nearness will encapsulate us because of the added presence of God the others bring to the meeting. The strength of our awareness of God’s presence will be proportional to the sensitivity of our spirits developed through various Togethers, one of them being speaking for God in counseling one another now whenever His wisdom can help.
If we had a bakery, would we not be closer to those who handed out our cookies rather than someone else’s cookies? As the baker, we would appreciate most those customers who noticed the cookies, ate a few, and gave many out to others to spread the delights of our baking.
Likewise, there are those believers who pay little attention to how God wants life lived and things done. Their spirituality is based on reading the Bible, perhaps studying it, but not really folding it into their daily lives. Then there are those whose pursuit of knowing the Bible stops with the benefits it can provide for them. They use its wisdom to live Christian lives. Finally, there are those who go further and help others see God’s wisdom for the situations in life that they face.
Just as it makes sense that the baker would prefer to be with the generous cookie eater, God will prefer being with those who counseled others with His wisdom. It seems His presence will be more concentrated with those.
If we were to use the silly analogy of chocolate milk, God’s presence can be like a glass of milk with a hint of chocolate all the way to the richest hot chocolate you can imagine. If God is the chocolate, the more you “use” of Him, the richer the experience.
Let’s seek and give counsel as much as is helpful and look forward to being closer to God in heaven as a result.
Praise and Prayer Regarding this Together
Thank You, Father God, for loving us so much as to fill the pages of our Bibles with Your character and wisdom. Help me to get to know extensively who You are and what pleases You. Help me to understand Your ways more and more and be able to give Your counsel to others for living their lives within Your will.
Help me also to glean from others godly counsel and not depend only on what I comprehend. If there is any pride of self-sufficiency in me, help me to eliminate it. In seeking Your wisdom through the godly counsel of others, may I praise You by my dependence upon You rather than on myself and my thinking.
Ever increasing practice of the Togethers of Scripture will (1) create in you the loving essence of Jesus, (2) give Jesus the kind of love He requested, (3) provide you with the most significant spiritual lifestyle which is attainable only through Christian community, (4) offer significant worship to God by reflecting his own character back to him through your behavior, and (5) bring God’s kingdom to earth as asked for in the Lord’s Prayer. And for heaven, such growing obedience to Scripture now will later (6) qualify you for a more responsible place of service as reward in heaven, and, (7) most important of all, give you greater empathy with God for a closer relationship with Him for all of eternity.