“You should talk to the Pastor!” Have you heard this before? Many times in life we face dilemmas that are a bit more serious and may require some outside advice. Perhaps we’ve hit a crossroad in life, marriage, work, or school, and have to make a serious, life changing decision. There comes a time that you really need someone’s advice. So who do you turn to?
Let’s look at what the Bible says.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
I think you get the point. Advice and not just any advice, but counsel founded in the word of God is biblical. The problem is that some of us don’t want to be counseled because we want to do what we want or we just don’t think we need it, “it’s nobody’s business” or we’re embarrassed.
Unfortunately for us, nothing about our walk with God is about doing things our way. If we want to live our lives in obedience to His word and make wise decisions, godly counsel is a must and if you congregate in a smaller sized church like ours, consider yourself blessed that you HAVE the opportunity to meet with your pastor & his wife.
Many reasons people don’t want to meet with a pastor or a counselor is because whatever it is, is not a “big deal” yet or they’re presenting an image of themselves at church that they don’t want to be shattered when “pastor finds out the truth.” I know because I’ve been there, but guess what, nobody is perfect, not even your pastor! I’ve had many meetings with pastors and leaders in my short life as a Christian and I’ve seen nothing, but wisdom and blessing come out of it.
On the contrary, some people may meet with their pastor and share half truths in an attempt to “do things the right way,” but know this, if you’re lying to your pastor, who is your established authority in the church, you’re most probably lying to God and to yourself. See, everything is connected. In darkness, in secrets, sin is found. I recently had someone tell me how happy and free they felt because they “just told pastor everything.” God’s word is spiritual law, the truth shall set you free! (John 8:32)
Being completely honest about yourself, your life, your struggles and your dreams gives you a true sense of spiritual liberation. When a pastor or counselor knows the full extent and truth of a situation, THEN they can properly counsel you. If not, your half-truth story may not produce effective advice which will hurt you in the end.
Take advantage of the blessing of godly council. Pray and seek God alone first. But know that it is biblical to seek godly counsel. You do not have to struggle or pretend everything is perfect. Your pastors and leaders are here to serve you, to pray for you and to share God’s wisdom with you. Some of the best pastors and counselors are people who’ve made the most mistakes, no one is perfect.
There’s no reason to be confused or “think” you hear God’s voice. Godly council can confirm, clear up or cancel out what you may be thinking is God. Our pastors’ purpose is to pastor you. Is Pastor your pastor?
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Writen By: Ali Sanchez | February 8, 2012About the Author:
