What steps can you take to ensure you have godly counselors in your life? Wise Plans Require Wise Voices “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22) Scripture states plainly: success rises or falls on the counsel we receive. To walk in the Lord’s design, we must gather around us people whose words flow from His Word. What Makes a Counselor “Godly”? • Anchored in Scripture—2 Timothy 3:16–17 • Marked by the fear of the LORD—Proverbs 1:7 • Proven character and fruit—Matthew 7:17–18 • Humble and Spirit-led—James 3:17 • Committed to your growth, not their agenda—Philippians 2:3–4 Step 1: Pray for Divinely Appointed Relationships • James 1:5 promises wisdom to those who ask; include the request for wise people. • Trust God’s sovereignty—He delights to place the right believers in your path. Step 2: Plant Yourself in a Healthy Local Church • Hebrews 10:24–25 calls us to consistent fellowship. • Within a biblically sound church you find elders, teachers, and seasoned saints ready to invest. • Join a small group or ministry team where relationships deepen naturally. Step 3: Evaluate Potential Counselors by Scripture Use these checkpoints: 1. Do their lives display the fruit of the Spirit? (Galatians 5:22–23) 2. Is their advice grounded in the Bible, not personal opinion? (Psalm 119:24) 3. Do they speak truth in love, even when it stings? (Ephesians 4:15) 4. Are they accountable to others themselves? (Proverbs 27:17) Step 4: Seek a Variety of Voices • Multi-generational wisdom—Titus 2:1–8 • Peer accountability—Proverbs 27:9 • Specialized expertise (finance, marriage, vocation) when needed—Proverbs 24:6 Step 5: Cultivate a Teachable, Humble Heart • “He who listens to counsel is wise.” (Proverbs 12:15) • Welcome correction as God’s kindness—Hebrews 12:10–11. • Compare every word you receive with Scripture (Acts 17:11). Step 6: Guard Against Ungodly Counsel • Reject voices that contradict God’s Word—Psalm 1:1. • Distance yourself from chronic scoffers and cynics—Proverbs 14:7. • Beware of echo chambers; true friends won’t merely affirm your desires. Step 7: Act on Sound Advice • Wisdom unused benefits no one—James 1:22. • Invite follow-up so counselors can encourage progress—Proverbs 27:6. • Celebrate God’s faithfulness together when plans succeed—Proverbs 16:3. Living It Out God never intended discipleship to be a solo venture. By prayerfully surrounding yourself with Scripture-saturated, Spirit-filled believers and by keeping your own heart pliable, you position your plans—and your life—to flourish under His wise, loving guidance. |
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