Godly Counsel

Hillsong sings, " 'Cause the enemy has been defeated! Death couldn't hold You down! We're gonna lift our voice in victory! We're gonna make Your praises loud! Shout unto God with a voice of triumph! Shout unto God with a voice of praise! Shout unto God with a voice of triumph! We lift Your Name up! We lift Your Name up!" ("Shout Unto God") No matter what we're going through and no matter what lies ahead, we have the victory because of Christ. He is our Victory! "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57, NIV)

In 1 Samuel 19:2-3, Jonathan tells David, " 'My father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you. Be on your guard tomorrow morning; go into hiding and stay there. I will go out and stand with my father in the field where you are. I'll speak to him about you and will tell you what I find out.' " (NIV) Jonathan helped his friend David succeed, even as David led Israel. Maxwell says, "Jonathan remained faithful to his comrade until the very end of his life." Successful leadership requires the leader to rely on others for help in times of need. And even when things are going well, others should share in the victories inasmuch as the leader relies on them during the trials.

Leadership is not a solo endeavor. Above all, a leader needs to follow God and seek Him for knowledge and guidance. To strengthen this leadership dynamic, one should also seek advice from godly friends and colleagues. Ecclesiastes 4:12b says, "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken" (NIV) Those from whom a leader seeks counsel should serve to point back toward God, the Ultimate Leader, and to His guidance. There is no better help available than from our Father!

Maxwell asks, "Who are your friends that 'strengthen your hand in God?' "

Several came to mind when I read this question. Josh, one of my friends from OSUIT, helps to keep me on the right path in God. Kady, another friend I met in Okmulgee, does the same and has helped me through many trials. And I now have found a friend in JJ, a coworker of mine who is also a brother in Christ. Further, Hannah and Kerri have proven to be good friends of mine and very helpful at work. And there are many other brothers and sisters in Christ in whom I have found friendship and help in times of need and fellowship in times of peace.

Ask that question of yourself. Who can you rely on to keep your focus on Christ?

Father, thank You for the many blessings You have bestowed upon me. Among Your gifts are godly friends to lead me along the right path and help to keep me on it. Thank You for guidance in my leadership, work, and life overall. All I have is from You. Thank You! In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!

God bless you!