LISTEN TO COUNSEL AND ACCEPT DISCIPLINE” Satan’s spirit—his rebellious, contentious attitude fills today’s world. The Bible thus refers to Satan as “the ruler of the authority of the air” and mentions the resulting “spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience.” (Ephesians 2:2) Many today want to be completely independent of the authority of others. Sadly, that spirit of independence has even infected some in the Christian congregation. For example, an elder may offer some kindly counsel on the dangers of immoral or violent entertainment, but some may resist or even resent the counsel. Each of us needs to apply the words of Proverbs 19:20: “Listen to counsel and accept discipline, in order to become wise in your future.” What can help us in this regard? Consider three common reasons why people resist counsel or discipline, and then note the Scriptural viewpoint. ● “I don’t think the counsel was appropriate.” We may feel that the counsel does not really fit our circumstances or that the one giving it did not grasp the whole picture. Our immediate reaction might even be to belittle the counsel. (Hebrews 12:5) Since we are all imperfect, is it not possible that our own view of the matter is what needs adjusting? (Proverbs 19:3) Was there not some valid reason for the counsel to be given? Then that is what we need to focus on. God’s Word advises us: “Hold on to discipline; do not let it go. Safeguard it, for it means your life.”—Proverbs 4:13. ● “I don’t like the way the counsel was given.” Granted, God’s Word sets a high standard for the way counsel should be given. (Galatians 6:1) However, the Bible also says: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) The only way that we can ever receive perfect counsel delivered in just the right way is to receive it from a perfect person. (James 3:2) Jehovah uses imperfect humans to counsel us, so it is wise to avoid focusing on the way the counsel is given. Look, rather, to the content of the counsel, and prayerfully consider how to apply it. ● “He is in no position to counsel me!” If we think that personal faults in the counselor invalidate his counsel, we need to remember the points noted above. Likewise, if we think that our age, experience, or responsibilities in the congregation somehow put us above counsel, we need to readjust our thinking. In ancient Israel, the king had great responsibilities, yet he had to accept counsel from prophets, priests, and others who were among his subjects. (2 Samuel 12:1-13; 2 Chronicles 26:16-20) Today, Jehovah’s organization appoints imperfect men to offer counsel, and mature Christians gladly accept it and apply it. If we have greater responsibilities or experience than others do, we should be even more conscious of the need to set an example in reasonableness and humility by accepting counsel and applying it.—1 Timothy 3:2, 3; Titus 3:2. Clearly, none of us is above counsel. So let us be resolved to accept counsel readily, apply it obediently, and thank Jehovah heartily for this lifesaving gift. Counsel really is an expression of Jehovah’s love for us, and we want to remain in God’s love.—Hebrews 12:6-11. [Keep Yourselves In Gods Love Book]
Posted on: Wed, 05 Nov 2014 13:03:53 +0000
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