From the Spring of 2011

In the late 1950s and early 60s the most popular shows on TV were programs like Father Knows Best, My Three Sons and Leave It To Beaver. Today we have Two and Half Men, Modern Family and Family Guy. Father Knows Best ran for 6 seasons starting 1954 but it actually started as a radio program in 1949. The father, Jim, offered sage advice whenever one of his children had a problem.

As real life fathers how often do we go to our Heavenly Father for advice when we have a problem, a difficult decision or a trial? Many times, maybe out of arrogance or maybe out of embarrassment or maybe not having guys we can go to, we think we know what is best and we make the decision on our own. Let’s face it – as guys if we won’t even ask for directions how likely is it we will ask for advice about serious issues?

The Bible is very clear about what to do with these difficult situations:

1. Pray: Ephesians 6:18 “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying…” 1 Kings 22:5 “But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “First seek the counsel of the LORD.”
2. Search God’s word: Psalm 12:6 “And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.”
3. Seek Godly counsel from wise men: Proverbs 15:22 “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

Regarding point 3, who are you listening to?

I love what Jeff Henderson of North Point Community Church recently said about seeking wise counsel: “Who you are listening to is a picture of the future you.” In other words, look at the people you are listening to – if their life is worth emulating then listen! If not then you need to maybe start seeking other advice. If you are not seeking counsel at all then reread Proverbs 15:22. Maybe a place to start is to enlist a personal board of directors – guys you can meet with on a monthly/quarterly basis to provide the wise counsel we all desperately need.

Who are you listening to?

In His Service,

Ed