Seeking Counsel!

In finding the way on the journey up a mountain, is help found by asking those at the bottom if we are walking the right path? Is the great benefit found in asking those at the same level we have reached, “What do you see?” Would they not only be able to see what we ourselves can since we have arrived at the same place? Or is it rather those up ahead of us who are at a better vantage point from which to guide us further toward the top? Should we not have a similar view when seeking guidance on life’s journey?

I was struck by this thought as I recently read of the advice Rehoboam (son of Solomon) chose to accept. ( 2 Chronicles 10) Though it was actually in the working of God that the kingdom would become divided (note 1 Kings 11:31-40), it was through the choice of Rehoboam that it came about. When Jeroboam (who had returned from Egypt) and the people of Israel came asking for the load of labor to be lifted that had been placed on them by Solomon, Rehoboam told them to return for his answer in three days. Then Rehoboam sought counsel in how he should respond. First he asked the counsel of the old men who had stood before his father. What they advised would have drawn the people to Rehoboam in ongoing loyalty. ( 2 Chronicles 10:6-7) However, Rehoboam chose to take the advice of his peers -- “the young men who had grown up with him and stood before him.” ( 2 Chronicles 10:8) -- and that was the counsel that created the division. ( 2 Chronicles 10:9-19)

For us to rely on those who only know what we know for counsel does not provide any more wisdom than what we may already possess. Though we can receive encouragement from our peers, there are times we need to look BEYOND OUR PEERS (those beyond our own age) for counsel needed as we journey on through life. These are ones who are farther along the journey we are traveling. They have seen what is along the road and can provide cautions we need for safe travel. Being ahead of us, they can encourage us onward and upward as they also continue their own journey toward God. Therefore we ought to honor the wisdom of our elder brothers and sisters in Christ; acknowledging the wisdom they have gained along the way that can help our journey to be smoother than theirs might have been. They have reached a broader vantage point over life than that at which we have arrived.

Under the old law we find the following principle:
“(32) You shall STAND UP BEFORE THE GRAY HEAD and HONOR THE FACE OF AN OLD MAN, and you shall fear your God: I am the LORD.” ( Leviticus 19:32 ESV)

This was an exhortation toward honoring and respecting the aged. The New Living Translation reads, “Show your fear of God by standing up in the presence of elderly people and showing respect for the aged. I am the LORD.” (NLT, © 1997, Tyndale House]

In Paul’s first letter to Timothy he noted the RESPECTFUL APPROACH to relationships when he stated. . .
“(1) Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, (2) older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.” ( 1 Timothy 5:1-2 ESV)

Then, writing to the church at Thessalonica, Paul exhorted. . .
“(12) We ask you, brothers, to RESPECT THOSE WHO LABOR AMONG YOU AND ARE OVER YOU IN THE LORD and admonish you, (13) and to ESTEEM THEM VERY HIGHLY IN LOVE BECAUSE OF THEIR WORK. Be at peace among yourselves.” ( 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 ESV)

Certainly any counsel must be considered in relation to the truth of God’s Word. However, it is to our advantage to listen to the wisdom of THOSE WHO HAVE GONE ON BEFORE us. Their life experience can be a real blessing to us. May we hold in high regard God’s “SENIOR SAINTS” among us as we appreciate the guidance their wisdom of the years can help provide.

Have a great day RESPECTFULLY HONORING THE OLDER AMONG US!
Carl

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