A counselor is someone who gives advice, opinion or instruction, which is given to direct the judgment or conduct of another person. We all need counsel at some point in our lives. The Book of Wisdom known as the Proverbs states that the more counselors you surround yourself with, the better decisions you will make. “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14 (NKJV)

It’s not just important to be surrounded by counselors, but you need good advisors, people who are experienced in the matter at hand. You don’t receive medical counsel from someone who has never practiced medicine and has no experience in dealing with what you are currently going through. You don’t go to your mechanic for counsel on financial matters. Support groups are important because people in the group are experiencing or have experienced what you are experiencing. As the Word of God teaches, “As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV)

You need counselors, good counselors, but you also need discernment as to which counselors you should listen to. After the death of King Solomon, his son Rehoboam became king. The people asked Rehoboam to – “Lighten the harsh labor demands and heavy taxes that your father imposed on us.” 1 Kings 12:4 (NLT) To which he asked them to give him three days to come back with an answer. He consulted with the elders who gave his father counsel, and then he asked his companions who grew up with him for counsel. The young King heard the counsel of the wise old men, but he opted to listen to the advice of his companions. As a result, the kingdom was divided.

Not only do we need counselors and discernment, but we must be aware that there are counselors whose goal and aim is to destroy us! “He did what was evil in the Lord’s sight, just as Ahab’s family had done. They even became his advisers (Counselor) after the death of his father, and they led him to ruin.” 2 Chronicles 22:4 (NLT)

We all need counselors! However, in this season make sure that you are surrounded by good counsel and learn to pray over every counsel you receive before you move forward. One final word of caution, you cannot receive spiritual counsel from someone who is not spiritual.

Be Blessed

Bishop Jemmott