In what ways can we ensure our counsel aligns with God's will today? Setting the Scene: Absalom’s Plea for Direction “Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, ‘Give me counsel. What should we do?’” (2 Samuel 16:20) Recognizing the Pitfall of Man-Centered Advice • Absalom sought wisdom horizontally and received a strategy that violated God’s moral law (16:21–23). • The passage highlights how easily counsel drifts from God’s will when God Himself is not first consulted. Guiding Principles for God-Aligned Counsel Today • Start with humble dependence on the Lord. “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) • Trust the Lord above personal insight. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5–6) • Submit every idea to the written Word. “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable… so that the man of God may be complete.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17) • Look for the fruit of the Spirit in both the counsel and the counselor (Galatians 5:22–23). • Refuse advice that promotes sin or self-exaltation, no matter how persuasive. Scriptural Safeguards: Testing Counsel by the Word • Psalm 1:1–2 guards against “the counsel of the wicked.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:21 instructs, “but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.” • Proverbs 15:22 reminds, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed,” urging consultation with multiple godly voices rather than one persuasive expert. Choosing the Right Voices • Seek advisers known for reverence toward Scripture, not merely experience. • Give weight to those whose lives display obedience, humility, and accountability. • Prefer counselors who point consistently to Christ’s glory, not human agendas. Positive Contrast: David’s Pattern of Inquiry • David repeatedly “inquired of the LORD” before acting (1 Samuel 30:8; 2 Samuel 5:19). • His example shows that direct reliance on God precedes, shapes, and corrects human counsel. Living It Out: Practical Steps • Begin every decision process with Scripture reading and prayerful listening. • Compare all advice with the whole counsel of God, not isolated verses. • Invite several mature believers to speak, looking for consistent confirmation. • Evaluate inner motives, ensuring the aim is God’s honor and neighbor’s good. • Wait patiently until the Lord provides clarity; haste often exposes fleshly counsel. • Obey promptly once alignment with God’s will is evident, trusting Him for the outcome. |
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