The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. (Proverbs 12:15)
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
As we wrap up our consideration of the Discipline of Counsel this year and think about a world in need, I am confronted by a reality that I often try to avoid – my vulnerability. In ministering to a world in need I know I am vulnerable without God, and a defence he has provided me with is the counsel of fellow believers. Yet, I am much more prepared to accept my vulnerability in other aspects of my life. Take Covid-19, for example. Recently, I was surprised by my physical reaction to someone coughing close to me 😊, which betrayed my sense of vulnerability.
A posture of vulnerability will help us to accept that we all need help in ministering to the world. At all times we should look to God for help and sometimes the help will come in the form of Christ-centered counsel.
Please prayerfully read the passages above and consider the question below.
Question
In the body of Christ, how can we further promote the mindset of giving and receiving advice in the matter of ministering to a world in need?
March 31, 2020 at 12:44 pm
My natural inclination is to give advice. One way to promote giving it and being asked for it is to ask others for advice. Pride sometimes fools me into thinking I don’t need any advice.
In my work environment I am usually being asked what to do by my directs. But as in the body of believers there are many more wise and informed than me. Prayerfully seeking godly counsel is prudent. Over time I am more aware of the need in some situations to ask if an individual wants my advice before giving it.
Now that I’m in my late 40s I have a core group of godly family and friends I can lean on for advice- sometimes I ask-others times they give it because I needed it and was too blind or proud to ask. 😊
March 31, 2020 at 1:58 pm
Reading Brigets response brought a whole set of visions to mind. Age ..Jesus was wise by puberty staying on the temple to preach.
Sometimes a childs innocent remark or question gives us guidance. So no matter how old, even like me! we still need counselling. Oh, my grown children would laugh at this.
Sharing, whether materially or mentally with others can go both ways. Some hear and don’t listen, as we all do, even when we ask. Then go about harming others. Even in times of huge charitable drives, eg Band Aid etc, one has to decide how where and why each sentence is answered; how to administer in words, in deeds; by teaching others or letting it be a ‘Free for All’. I stopped supporting various charities for several reasons, disagreed with by others but it was my decision. We don’t have to be part of the crowd for fame.There is a horrid word called GREED. It’s the end result that Jesus would want that is important and we cannot be sure if our ideas or actions are the best.. If you are uncertain then stop look and listen again before jumping in.
Arggh A lizard just jumped into my hot drink.
God bless.
March 31, 2020 at 2:17 pm
Jacque – Thanks as always for sharing! I hope you and the lizard survived the experience 😊.
March 31, 2020 at 5:49 pm
Oh boy luckily you saw it.😳
March 31, 2020 at 5:58 pm
I was once told that I give unsolicited advice!
Ouch!
Trying like the two previous comments say to ask for advice and for me I ask if someone wants my advice.
March 31, 2020 at 6:07 pm
My thoughts are that first there must be community. In that a body of believers must worship together regularly and come to rely on each other. Sharing each other’s burdens and joy’s. Believers should confess to one another their sins and pray for each other. There must be no regard for class, race or nationality. Everyone must have a seat at the table. I think in this type of loving and Christ focused environment with discipline, believers are more likely to lean on each other, sharing freely life’s triumphs and trials and imparting wisdom to one another. Therefore the first step is community. In my view churches are too formal and structured, to me this takes away from the spontaneity that allows people to get to know one another on a more intimate level.