Be Careful Who You Get Advice From

Since we live in a day where so many Christians are seeking advice from pastors, counsellors, books, medication, etc., etc., is there a way we can make sure that what we are seeking is the right kind of advice that lines up with scripture. After all, if our desire is to get the help we need, then we should not just seek out anyone, but the right one who gives counsel grounded in truth. While reading through James 3 this morning I came across some great counsel about counseling. Here it is:

"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." - James 3:17

The wisdom that we need and can make a difference for us has to come from above, not from earth. The wisdom from above is saturated with several important things and if the advice we are getting is not characterized by these, then we need to walk away. Here is what James says the wisdom from above is known by:

- Pure

- Gentle

- Open to reason

- full of mercy and good fruits

- impartial

- sincere

Though I have never been in a counseling class, I wonder if this is what is taught to those who are studying it. The reality is that the only way we can give or get advice like that is to be totally immersed in the truth of God. The working out and expression of wisdom from above is characterized by those 6 things. We should not sit under any instruction for our life that is not known for pure, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere.