Receiving godly counsel and input from a brother in the Lord is a priceless thing. Such sharing of opinions not only builds up a person's life, but also helps refine us and give us different perspectives on otherwise hard to understand issues in life. Isn't it great to be sharpened by a brother's advice?
Proverbs 27:17 tells us, "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." A godly advice from a brother who loves the Lord and steeps himself in the Word can do more than what we think.
Here are some reasons why we should get godly counsel in times of need.
1. Our views or perspectives are limited
I can't tell just how many times a godly advice helped me make the right choice in my life. Frankly, even though I love the Bible and enjoy reading it, my understanding and ideas of how they are applied are pretty limited, and having another perspective would really help.
Many times a brother's perspective has helped to clarify and further explain what I did not understand in God's Word. Even my wife's perspective, as different as it is from mine at times, helped to give me insight on things I would otherwise have made the wrong choices about.
2. There is safety in a multitude of counselors
Getting a second, third, or even a 20th opinion regarding various matters won't hurt. In fact, it just might save a life. Proverbs 11:14 reminds us, "Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers." It's best to take heed of this.
Consider how governments in democratic countries have a select set of executive officials (e.g. members of Cabinet) who are tasked to convene before major decisions are made. Consider how researchers often work together to achieve their objective. Consider how the members of the council in the early church talked to one another and gave a clear instruction to new believers by means of a letter in Acts 15.
There is indeed great safety in a multitude of godly counselors.
3. There are better opinions and ideas compared to ours
Though we may not like to admit it, others might have better ideas from us. We better listen to another person's godly counsel.
Consider how Paul would instruct Timothy, Titus, and the churches in the New Testament. Consider how Moses would instruct Joshua and Israel in the Old Testament. Such godly instructions and discipleship are priceless and very valuable. We will do well to honor them.
