Psalm 1:1 (NIV) - "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers."
In our journey of faith, seeking counsel and guidance from others is an essential aspect. The Bible encourages us to seek wisdom and take counsel, for there is wisdom in the multitude of counselors (Proverbs 15:22). However, it is crucial to discern the source of the counsel we receive, as not every counsel is a blessing.
Psalm 1:1 warns us about the danger of ungodly counsel. It reminds us that the path to amazing blessings begins with avoiding the counsel of the wicked, sinners, and mockers. Ungodly counsel can come from anyone, irrespective of their status or position. Even the closest of friends, family members, or fellow believers can unknowingly give ungodly counsel.
We see an example of this in the life of Peter, one of Jesus' disciples. In Matthew 16:21-23, Jesus revealed to His disciples that He would suffer and be killed, but Peter took Him aside and rebuked Him, saying, "Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!" Jesus, recognizing the ungodly nature of Peter's counsel, responded sternly, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns."
This incident teaches us that ungodly counsel can even come from those closest to us, including those who walk closely with Jesus. It is a reminder that we must be vigilant and discerning, seeking God's wisdom and confirmation before accepting any counsel.
Ungodly counsel is an enemy of the amazing blessings that God has in store for us. It can lead us astray, hinder our spiritual growth, and cause us to miss out on the abundant life God desires for us. Therefore, it is crucial to test every counsel against the truth of God's Word and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
As believers, we have the privilege of having the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, who guides us into all truth (John 16:13). We can rely on His discernment to help us differentiate between godly and ungodly counsel. By spending time in prayer, studying the Word, and seeking godly counsel, we can ensure that we are aligning ourselves with the counsel that comes from God.
Let us be careful and discerning when seeking counsel, ensuring that it aligns with God's Word and His will for our lives. May we always seek the counsel that leads us closer to God, brings forth His blessings, and enables us to walk in His amazing plans for our lives.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that guides and instructs us. Help us to be discerning when seeking counsel, and grant us the wisdom to differentiate between godly and ungodly counsel. Holy Spirit, lead us into all truth and help us confirm if a counsel is from You or not. Protect us from the dangers of ungodly counsel and enable us to walk in the path of amazing blessings that You have prepared for us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.