Care In Decisions
Good Morning,
We often think young people need advice about dating, jobs, school, finances, and the various new situations they will face, and we are right. For the first time they are facing a serious relationship; for the first time they are leaving home to live in either college dorms, barracks, a house of their own, etc.
Proverbs 20:18 “Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.”
When a child buys a first home, he faces a whole new world of changing from renting to owning a home. We as parents, of course, think our adult children need advice in the various matters of life: the first child, the first pregnancy, potty training, or sending children off to school — we have a plethora of opinions.
Proverbs 15:22 “Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.”
In all these areas, we are correct in believing advice is needed; because when someone is facing an area in which they are inexperienced, they need counsel. Young people do need someone older and wiser to direct their thinking. What we fail to realize is that when we, as the older parents, face situations for the first time, we also need counsel.
Proverbs 24:6 “For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.”
As adults, we face “firsts” as well: an inappropriate act made by a spouse (perhaps infidelity), financial reversal, a job layoff, a loss of career necessitating starting all over, a last child leaves home creating an empty nest, or problems relating to the biological changes of age. When faced with these “firsts,” it would be wise to seek godly counsel.
Proverbs 11:14 “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”
When facing something for the first time, just as our children need help and counsel, we, too, need help as we pass through uncharted waters: the loss of a spouse, a bankruptcy, the loss of a home, the death of a child, the death of a parent, or the move from a busy career to retirement (a time when suddenly there are a hundred and sixty-eight hours to fill) can create opportunities to make great mistakes.
Proverbs 12:15 “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”
Let me encourage you to seek good counsel. Some things may have gone wrong in your life: a doctor’s report may be terrifying or the choices your child makes may devastate you, but be sure that this is a time to have a friend, a counselor, and an outside set of eyes to help you keep your perspective. Just because you are older, does not mean you do not need the wisdom of another.
Pastor