Articles

Counselor

by Lasserre Bradley, Jr.

The day in which we are living appears to be very much like the days when it was said, “every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6). The emphasis of our time is on independence. A favorite theme of many is the song made popular by Frank Sinatra, “I did it my way.” Young people often show little respect for the counsel of their elders and even by those of mature years the counsel of our forefathers is often rejected. But God’s word informs us that wise counsel is of great benefit. “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels” (Proverbs 1:5).

Jesus Is the Counselor

If a heart has been humbled by divine grace there will often be a desire for counsel. Life is full of challenges. Decisions must be made at every turn of the road. Unexpected trials present new problems and one can be greatly perplexed about how to deal with them. It is a blessing to have a friend in whom we can confide, one that will direct us to biblical answers for our problems. God uses His people to minister to each other and provide comfort and instruction in a time of need.

It is sad, though, that the counsel often sought and highly esteemed in our world today leaves God out and encourages people to continue on a self-centered course. But there is a Counselor whose counsel is perfect. His message is always relevant but often considered radical. Jesus Christ, who is also the mighty God and the King on whose shoulders the government rests, is the Counselor.

The words of Jesus are in stark contrast to the counsel that is prevalent in our day.

The wisdom of man says, “Think about yourself, please yourself, promote yourself.” The counsel of Jesus is “deny yourself.” Although human logic says that denying self cannot be the best course, Jesus informs us that it is in losing our life, our selfish interest, our pride, that we really find the fullness of life.

Where Is Your Heart?

All kinds of advice is offered through books and seminars about how to get rich. Obtaining material possessions is the goal that motivates young and old alike. While there is nothing wrong with hard work and a systematic savings plan, our great Counselor warns against covetousness and assuming that a man’s life consists in the abundance of the things which he possesses. He tells us to seek greater riches, and where we should invest them.

In fact He counseled His hearers, “Lay not up for yourselves treasurers upon the earth, where moth and rust corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for your selves treasurers in heaven..” and then reminds us, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).

This may be a good time for self-examination. Where is your heart? Is it centered on what the world has to offer, when we are taught not to love the world and the things in the world? Is your heart so desirous of the praises of men that you sometimes make compromises in order to gain approval? Are you so consumed with keeping pace in a fast moving society that you have neglected to “seek those things above”?

Shifting the Blame

Since the Garden of Eden man has perpetually attempted to shift the blame for his problems. So he often feels justified in holding resentments and bitterness toward others if they are viewed as being responsible for some of his problems. It is much easier to blame an overbearing mother or a neglectful father than to accept personal responsibility for our actions.

Some of the counseling that is popular in our day defends one’s right to shift the blame and even to hold on to anger. But Jesus taught his followers to pray for their enemies and to forgive those who had offended them.

What a difference it would make in many homes if each member of the family would forgive others even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven them. What a relief from carrying the heavy burden of anger toward others would be experienced if the words of the greatest Counselor were taken to heart. What a difference it could make among Christians if a forgiving spirit prevailed and it would be observed as Jesus declared, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples” (John 13:15).

Believe In Me

When the time was approaching that Jesus would go to the cross, He gave His followers counsel which would prepare them for that time of great sadness. He said, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:1-3).

What precious words, what reassurance: “where I am there you will be also.” No matter how dark the time of my departure may be, no matter how low your spirits may sink, Jesus is telling them to take heart because they will ultimately be with Him again. That counsel has cheered the hearts of multitudes through the years. In times of adversity, during seasons of deep trial, at the time when friends and loved ones have gone on to be with the Lord, what a comfort to read His words, “Let not your heart be troubled.”

In a world that is under the curse of sin, in a world that is full of sorrow and heartache, people are constantly looking for relief from their burdens. Some, when convicted of their sin, turn to the law for help, but law service is a burden none can successfully carry. To those who have labored and are “heavy laden” our great Counselor says, “Come unto me…and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

What good news to the weary: there is rest. What good news to the burdened sinner: there is hope in Him who is the friend and Savior of sinners. His name is Counselor and His counsel is perfect. Let us hear what He says.

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