Seven Filters – Filter #5, Part 3 What do other spiritual people think about it?

“One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.” (Proverbs 14:16, ESV)

In business it often happens. Managers will often surround themselves with “yes men.” These are the guys that will never disagree with their boss, even if he or she is wrong. The reasons they become yes men vary. For some it is the hope of promotion. For others it is the fear of losing a job. Others may just be intimidated by their boss. It can be that the narcissist in charge hires narcissists to work for him or her. These types of organizations limit themselves in achievement because it stifles innovation. “Yes men” do not contribute ideas and will ultimately condescend to the bosses’ views.

I have often seen this same situation in counselling. the person who is seeking advice will try to find someone who will agree with his or her preconceived desires. so, it behooves one to look for good biblical counselors who are spiritual people living like spiritual people should. Choosing good counselors is not easy, but it is essential. Here are a few thoughts on this.

Choose a mature versus and immature counselor. – Too often people choose immature believers when seeking spiritual advice. The problem with this is that they lack the wisdom that comes with maturity. We have a prime example of this in Israel as Solomon’s son Rehoboam assumed the kingship of the nation (2 Chr 10). Rehoboam listened to the young men with whom he grew up rather than the old men of his father’s age who had wisdom and gave wise counsel. In taking the poor advice of the young men, Jeroboam created a rift and rebellion in the nation that divided it int two kingdoms, the northern called Israel and the southern called Judah.

Choose an honest versus a patronizing counselor. – Unfortunately, there are many counselors who will tell you what you want to hear rather than what you need to know. They may do this because they want to display a caring demeanor or because they are just interested in the occupation. They might think that this is the best way. However, they are not helping by being patronizing.

Choose a righteous versus an unrighteous counselor. – This should go without saying. If you choose a counselor who is a spiritual person living as a spiritual person should live, the one you choose will be a righteous person. However, there are many of unrighteous counselors around today. These are ones who either do not know the word of God or will compromise the absolute truth of God’s word. find a counselor who believed the Bible is the complete absolute, infallible, authoritative, and unchanging truth of God.

Choose a multitude of good counselors. – The proverb regarding getting counsellors clearly indicates that more than one is preferable. The writer of proverbs stated, “for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.” (Proverbs 24:6, ESV). The saying goes, “two heads are better than one.”

Choose your counselors wisely. It can take time and effort, but it will pay dividends when you attempt to sort out your thoughts and ideas to see if they conform to the will of God.