How often though does the need for counsel (Advice) supersede the pursuit of such things? Who do we then ask IF we somehow arrive at the conclusion we do need counsel?
What about those decisions we make where we tell ourselves, "This one's obviously a no brainer" only later to discover there was more at stake than we had previously assumed?
Even the essence of the word 'Advice" attempts to speak to some of the things we downplay when the evidence can otherwise be "Observed" within our lives.
Those hushed ugly's better known as a "Vice" most of which are assumed to be lived only in the likely "Hood" where smoking, dipping, chewing, cussing, drugging, fornication, prostitution, pornography or being seen with those that do precedes all other accepetable explanations concerning the behavior of this person(s).
Based on the verbatim definition generously provided by Merriam Webster all the above are simply the outward signs of the inward failing. Naturally most will choose to go with webster's option "C" under the guise of such things being "Trivial'.
The commonly accepted cure or short term remedy for most of the above usually ends up being simply "Don't get Caught" or wear a condom if you do so the evidence will not be found.
Many of those things that only later down the road "Prove" they were at the root of what affected (infected) many different area's of our lives.
Full Definition of VICE
1
a : moral depravity or corruption : wickedness
b : a moral fault or failing
c : a habitual and usually trivial defect or shortcoming : foible <suffered from the vice of curiosity>
Things that we ourselves have either drug into the "Living Room" of our lives or have allowed others to bring them along as if "Their" innocent carry on baggage? That is until the storm hits!
What if we daily asked ourselves "So what's next"?
Do we then find ourselves second guessing our own decisions OR now blaming everything and everyone else as if the root of the original mistake made?
Some might term this denial, yet does giving IT a new or different name then solve the problem?
That to mean does simply admitting you made a mistake then magically cause us to turn and make the "Right" decision or do we more truthfully stand the same risk of turning "around" once more and make yet another wrong decision?
What is it that causes anyone to ignore not only the need and early warning of "Good" advice but also to follow that same advice simply because it has been judged as though "Good" advice?
Ask any child and I can promise that because they ARE a child they'll always answer with "I don't know why"!
A person can despise the definition of something, yet they'll despise it even more when the definition describes the very thing they personally despise.
If you can allow it, what causes you to cast off or maybe reject advice? Is it the voice of the "Child in you"?
What if you were to think of "Good Advice" as though something that can only come from the person who has also historically proved themselves not only able to follow their own advice, but followed it to such a degree that it proves them to be worthy enough to listen to (heed) their advice?
Have you ever asked yourself and or those that surround you, what causes both to be considered imperfect?
It's easy to claim or say "I'm not perfect" or that "No one is perfect" after the facts that get revealed are NOT favorable, but what are we truly confessing?
What are we comparing ourselves to when we do find ourselves in need to suggest that we're excusably "Imperfect"? Do we compare ourselves to each other or are we comparing ourselves to someone that is perfect?
Maybe that we're poor listener's? Hard headed? Stubborn or ignorant? Don't those all sound like softened blows?
How about Rebellious, Lawless, Wicked or Sinful?
I know, they all sound too harsh, so instead we'll rename them or clump them under the category of Back sliding which has a much easier to swallow texture as does a "Smoothie".
What is that would cause anyone to not be considered "Imperfect" in the grand scheme of this mutual experience we're addressing as "Life"?
If NOT perfect, exactly what is it that causes Jesus to be considered perfect?
I can hear some saying, "That's an easy answer in that Jesus was God in the flesh"?
Now add to that thought are all those you've allowed to offer you counsel also considered to be "righteous"?
Was it you that qualified them as righteous or has someone else qualified them?
Wouldn't that totally depend upon what causes a person to be considered not only as "righteous" but also the utmost qualifier as though "Righteous in God's eyes"?
How would you even know if your response to that question is right?
If you can believe the words God offers to all that are willing to believe them to be "true" and that only because those words were inspired by God, complied, delivered by way of His Holy spirit and then written about Jesus, what do they say?
Do they say He was simply perfect from the womb or was He (Jesus) made perfect?
Heb 5:7-10
Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect , he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.
NIV
The word does not say Jesus could NOT sin. The word does NOT say Jesus was exempt from temptation. Nor does the word spoken about Him say that Jesus was NOT exposed to and or subjected to anything LESS than all mankind.
Wouldn't man feel cheated if Jesus did receive such a special treatment from God OUR father to where we as mere men also DON"T receive the same things? The weaponry needed? The authority needed? The ability from within (Holy Spirit) that's needed?
Such a special treatment which would then somehow exclude or maybe distance you and I in our attempts made to somehow "Find" ourselves able to "Relate" to the importance of the things Jesus did suffer? Those results then placed on "Full" display?
In so much that this perfect picture now has an image all its own?
Some might suggest that the power hungry man pursues "Power", yet what if you were to substitute the word power with the word "Righteous"?
This "Righteousness" (as though power) to then to interpret as if something to follow and that because it appears to lead to "Success" or maybe the "Ultimate Victory"?
What causes you to reject the person who attempts to present good advice? What would cause man to lean on His own understanding in his approach to this "Thing" presently being understood that we're labeling as "Life"?
Is it that You do not know how to discern (decide) what is truly "Good" advice OR do you find more often you're simply rejecting the history of the person that tries to present "Good " advice?
It's easy to say we don't "Trust" someone outside of ourselves, yet I hope to further investigate why mankind fails to "Easily" trust a specific "Personage'.
How does "Counsel" (advice) manifest in your life and who's in control over that process?
Is it fair to say that God would be unjust if God placed an expectation upon any of us IF God did not also provide the :"How To" go about meeting that same expectation?
It's easily suggested that only the fool says, "I want to make my Own mistakes", yet why?
Is it because those mistakes often end up "Owning" portions (segments) of your life?
What if man stopped focusing on what "Causes" him (suggest to him) to consider himself as "Imperfect" and instead he (man) began to focus on how he (man) is able to "See" himself as though equipped and capable of being made perfect?
Think about how man has been historically programmed to think by way of his surroundings? The world we live in IS seems to exist on a "Performance" based grading curve. Does the world Give you the tools needed for the same success it all but requires from you in the form of expectation(s)?
Nearly everything in this world tells him (man) he's a loser when he "Doesn't" do or accomplish "Whatever" may be being emphasized as important at any given moment.
Stop and think just for a moment and if you already have STOP for another moment!
What if the present explanation that we've "Accepted" to date as the thing we are calling "Life", is only a part of a larger existence yet to be encountered? Why would you need to be changed to simply walk on streets made of Gold?
Is there something more that God is preparing us for or is it only for our personal enjoyment that He's also created man?
Ps 147:10-11
His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man;
the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.
NIV
Maybe only for a short while you might say, yet that also depends upon how long it takes before you go in search of the same counsel which could have prevented the "Unwanted" episodes to begin with?
Let this question settle in the debating room that has been strategically positioned between your spirit and soul.
Do you esteem Christ enough to where you want to Be like Him? Do you see Him as the "FIRST" of the beloved of God?
If yes, who are you observing while in this world as though your guide to such a place?
What of this kingdom of Priest God tells man about? What of this "Order" of a priest "Hood" whom Christ is the great High Priest over and for what purpose?
Even the adopted child once they've embraced (adopted) their status in their Fathers house, don't they too desire to be Like their father in order find themselves as Loved?
You can defend against what you read below because it was addressed and written to the status (office) of an elder. Only when you Don't find OR hope to see yourself as maturing is it easy to take the way of the child, yet is that the desire Of God's heart that you remain a child?
1 Cor 13:9-12
For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.
When I was a child, I talked like a child , I thought like a child , I reasoned like a child . When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
NIV
1 Peter 5:1-12
To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed:
Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers — not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you
.
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God.
Stand fast in it.
NIV
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