How can we ensure our decisions align with God's will, not just human wisdom? Setting the Scene “Now the advice Ahithophel gave in those days was like the word of one who inquires of God. That was how both David and Absalom regarded all of Ahithophel’s advice.” (2 Samuel 16:23) The verse highlights a sobering reality: advice can sound divine yet be fatally flawed if it lacks true submission to the Lord. Ahithophel’s counsel was prized, but because it ultimately opposed God’s chosen king, it led to ruin (17:14, 23). The episode reminds us that impressive human wisdom is no substitute for God’s revealed will, which is completely reliable and accurate. The Lesson from Ahithophel’s Tragic Counsel • Popular opinion can mislabel a voice as divine. • Skill, experience, and reputation do not guarantee spiritual accuracy. • When counsel contradicts God’s plan, even brilliant strategy collapses. • Aligning with the Lord’s anointed (for us, Jesus Christ) is non-negotiable. Principles for Aligning Decisions with God’s Will • Depend on Scripture first – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) – God’s Word is literally true and fully trustworthy; every decision must bow to it. • Refuse self-reliance – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) – Human insight is limited; His wisdom is perfect. • Seek prayer-fed wisdom – “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God… and it will be given.” (James 1:5) – Prayer invites heaven’s perspective into earthly choices. • Invite Spirit-given discernment – “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) – The Spirit never contradicts the written Word He inspired. • Pursue godly counsel that mirrors Scripture – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22) – Look for advisers who submit to the Bible, not just display expertise. • Examine motives – “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) – Ask, “Will this decision spotlight Christ or myself?” • Embrace transformational thinking – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2) Practical Habits That Keep Us on Track • Daily, systematic Bible reading—so our default thoughts are shaped by truth. • Journaling Scriptural principles that relate to current decisions. • Setting aside moments of silence to listen after praying. • Fasting when facing weighty choices, to heighten dependence on God. • Worship and thanksgiving, which recalibrate focus from self to the Lord. • Willingness to wait until the path becomes clear—faith sometimes says “not yet.” Encouraging Biblical Snapshots • Joshua paused at Jericho to receive God’s battle plan (Joshua 5:13-6:5). • Jehoshaphat sought prophetic input before war, rejecting unauthorised voices (2 Chronicles 18). • Paul altered travel plans when the Spirit closed doors and opened Macedonia (Acts 16:6-10). • Jesus, our perfect model, declared, “I do nothing on My own, but speak exactly what the Father has taught Me.” (John 8:28). Summary Takeaways • Scripture is fully accurate, literally true, and the supreme grid for every decision. • Prayer, Spirit-led discernment, and godly counsel safeguard us from impressive yet misguided human reasoning. • Align motives, methods, and outcomes with God’s revealed glory. • When choices rest on His Word and His Spirit’s leading, they carry enduring fruit—unlike Ahithophel’s celebrated but fatal advice. |
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