Wise Council

9-11-2009
Wise Council

We all need wise council in our lives. To simply rely upon your own understanding is foolish, yet many of us fall into that trap. The first council we should seek is God’s council through consistent prayer. When we read about the leaders of the Bible, they all sought God’s council and most of them had earthly council as well.

My wife and I are looking at purchasing another home at the moment, and with all big decisions I’ve learned to seek council. We’ve prayed over the decision regularly and most importantly, SPECIFICALLY. Our prayers include what type of house, how much to finance, should I have a mortgage or pay cash, should I build or buy a pre-existing home, the location, and most importantly I pray for the timing. Is this the right time to move?

Along with seeking God’s clarity through prayer, I seek wise council from experienced individuals. One of my great friends has extensive experience in home sales, thus I sought his wise council and prayed over it. I used a godly real estate agent that I feel I can trust. I’ve spoken with new home builders about the cost and time associated with building a new home, and I’ve spoken with residents that live in certain areas of Dallas that I can trust as to their experiences in living in certain locations.

It’s amazing to me how clarity arises once council is sought through patient and consistent prayer, and Godly council from brothers and sisters in Christ. Every “big” decision I’ve made where wise council was used has turned out for the good. EVERY time I’ve rushed into a decision it’s led to heartache, rebuilding, and usually a lot of scrambling to fix a problem I created.

In Matthew 11 Jesus gives wise council to John and his disciples. John was imprisoned by King Herod, and during this time John began to doubt whether or not Jesus was the Messiah, because John felt his calling was to preach the message of the coming Messiah, and how was he supposed to do so if he was in prison. Jesus calmed those doubts through his acts of healing, thus eliminating any doubts John had at the time.

I don’t know what big decisions you have on the horizon, maybe a new home, car, career change, what college to attend, should I get married, but whatever you do seek wise council. Your first resource should always be your maker, GOD. Secondly, surround yourself with a great team of people that you can live life with and seek their wise council. In order to have wise council, you must seek it, and whatever you do, make sure you don’t rush into who you listen to. Don’t just ask anyone and everyone for their opinions, as all that will do is muddy the water. You will end up with the paralysis analysis problem. Once you do have wise council, take the leap of faith and make things happen!

Application:
1. Read Matthew 11:1-19
2. Who are your mentors and counselors?
3. Do you listen to what they say and pray over your situations?