I remember stopping at the boundary of a local rock quarry, viewing the warning signs that to cross the fence would be to enter the danger zone. Soon after I read the sign, I heard the warning siren then BOOM a blast went off that loosened a mass of rocks. Right near the fence pebbles and stones rained down. I realized that if I had crossed that fence into the danger zone, I would have been hurt. The fence and warning had been placed there for my safety.
The Bible gives us a warning about another kind of danger zone.
Proverbs 24:6 (AV)
6 For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.
I want to take a few moments in this blog to warn you about a trend that I have observed among Christians. More and more I have seen believers make major decisions without ever seeking counsel first. These decisions uproot their families, place their financial security in peril, and even cause great harm to their local church. The Bible tells us that if you have a multitude of Godly counsel, you have found a safe place. It follows then that if you do not seek counsel and decide to simply trust your own heart and feelings, you are walking on the wrong side of the fence, you are in the danger zone.
First of all, this "trust your heart" business that we hear from our friends and see in all kinds of posts on facebook is not Biblical! Look and see what we get when we trust our hearts.
Jeremiah 17:9 (AV)
9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Proverbs 19:21 (AV)
21 There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
You may recoil at this advice so far. You are sure that you have enough common sense not to have to get your pastor or other mature believers involved in your personal decisions. The Bible actually is very clear. If we just make decisions based on what seems good in our own eyes, we are acting foolishly.
Proverbs 12:15 (AV)
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived, gives us some very clear warnings as to what happens when we rush off to make decisions without asking for counsel. Without counsel, people fall and plans do not come to pass. Without counsel we venture into the danger zone.
Proverbs 11:14 (AV)
14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
Proverbs 15:22 (AV)
22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
Proverbs 20:18 (AV)
18 Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.
We are also warned about where we get counsel. If we go to the ungodly, that is, those who have not trusted Jesus as Savior, or those who do not believe that the Bible is God's Word; then we are in the danger zone. Sometimes we go to a multitude of counsellors, trying to get someone to say what we want to hear. Finally we find the one carnal Christian, or unbeliever that gives us unbiblical advice... we are back in the danger zone.
Psalm 1:1 (AV)
1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
1 Chronicles 10:13 (AV)
13 So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it;
King Saul lost his kingdom and eventually died because he followed the wrong counsel. He got counsel from a spiritualist who talked to dead spirits. Once again, wrong counsel will bring you into the danger zone.
So how do we stay out of the danger zone? With whom should we counsel? If you are a child, get counsel from your parents. If you are a wife, get counsel from your husband. If you are a believer, get counsel from your pastor. Follow the chain of command and go first of all to those whom God has given authority over you.
Hebrews 13:17 (AV)
17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
At this point you may say that you already know what these folks would say, but you want to do something different than what they would say. First of all, you don't know what they would say unless you ask them. Secondly, if you already know, perhaps you already have the counsel you need even if it is not the counsel you want.
When seeking counsel, do not expect the counsellor to give you all the truth you need automatically. You must seek them out and draw them out. Truly wise folks do not spew their wisdom out on everyone unsolicited. Seek godly counsel and advice by asking specific questions and then listening, not arguing.
Proverbs 20:5 (AV)
5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
Remember that the best counsel comes from God. He has given us His Word in the Bible. He has also promised to give us wisdom if we ask for it.
James 1:5 (AV)
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Psalm 16:7 (AV)
7 I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
So, my friend, if you are facing a decision about a career choice, continuing or stopping a relationship, changing or starting to attend a church, or any other major decision, do not simply trust your heart! Do not trust your future to the advice of unbelievers. Seek Godly advice from those whom God has given as wise counsellors in your life. Do not jump at a decision. Take a moment, get some counsel, and stay out of the danger zone!
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