A Good Word

The power of wise counsel.
 
“Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!”
Proverbs 4:7a NLT
 
“Who is a wise man?  He who learns of all men.”
The Talmud[1]
 

 There are particular people God allows to cross our path of discipleship, fellow sojourners who change the trajectory of our spiritual formation.  I remember the good word given to me by Haldane Rowan, director of Capernwray Torchbearers Australia.  His good word came to me when I was a twenty-two-year-old student at Capernwray and, at best, a lukewarm disciple of Jesus.  I needed to choose between a Philocentric life and a Christocentric one.  I was not behaving at the school in a manner that would match my testimony.  Simply put, I was foolish and immature.  I would describe myself then as being at the crossroads of significant discipleship decisions.  The battle was on for who would sit on the throne of my life – me or King Jesus.  Would I bow to Jesus as my lord and respond wholeheartedly to his call upon my life?  With a posture of kindness, Haldane said, “God has called you for his purposes; the time to serve him is now.”  His good word changed the trajectory of my life.
 
“Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others,” are words attributed to King Solomon.[2]  These words have shaped my discipleship for many years.  I am blessed to have good counselors, godly folk who speak the truth in love.  On my discipleship journey I often cross paths with believers who possess keen insight into matters of life and faith. These Christians have my ear.  We need such advisors for a healthy, vibrant, and growing spiritual formation.  The best of these counselors are people of courage and conviction, followers of Jesus who listen well and are slow to speak.  They are meek people who possess great humility and consciously seek to build others up.  Wise counselors have a depth of life experiences that inform them, experiences that comprise both hard lessons and hallelujah moments.  Who are the wise counselors in your life?  Who are the godly people bringing a good word to you as a disciple of Jesus?
 
I understand the Apostle Paul to be a godly character, seasoned in the gospel, fervent in faith and mission.  He is a person of wisdom and good counsel.  The pastoral letters (1&2 Timothy) give witness to his good words for the young Timothy serving as a teacher and preacher in the Ephesian church.  Consider the following wisdom he passes along to this young leader whom he calls his son in the faith:
 
“This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all.  But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.  All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.”  1 Timothy 1:15-17 NLT
 
Who is like the Apostle Paul in your life?  As I reflected upon this question, I was reminded of all the faithful believers who have spoken a good word to me as I followed Jesus.  It was then that the Holy Spirit nudged me to reach out to some of these wise counselors and ask them a simple question:
 
What is the most life-transforming wisdom you now possess and wish you had known much earlier in your discipleship?
 
I believe the purpose of this gentle prodding by the Holy Spirit was so that I might share with others, like those of you who read this piece, the responses I received.  And so, this is my attempt to do just that.  The following nuggets of wise insight are for your edification and encouragement.  All these folks I petitioned have over twenty-five years of discipleship experience; most have served in significant leadership roles or are doing so now.  As you read their words, take time to soak in what is being shared and reflect on how it might help to inspire your discipleship.
 

“The Father makes no mistakes.”
Peter – pastor and farmer
 
“As disciples, we play the long game.”
Bernie – seminary professor and denominational leader
 
“Spirit-inspired humility transforms.”
Rita Mae – missionary and spiritual director
 
“Be faithful where you are.”
Mark – lead pastor and seminary president
 
“In all aspects of our life, God is the primary shaper of our transformation into Christlikeness.”
Cam – pastor and denominational leader
 
“Do life with Jesus, not for Jesus.”
Ron – church planting network leader
 
“Memorizing Scripture has been the most life-transforming practice in my discipleship.”
Ralph – pastor and denominational leader
 
“To become like Christ is my core responsibility.”
Mike – pastor and rancher
 
“Moving from Jesus as my friend who wants to help me overcome all my Goliaths—to Jesus as my KING building his ultimate Kingdom changes everything for followers of Jesus.”
Ken – Bible college professor and denominational leader
 
“Nothing is as vital and significant as the relationships we cultivate.”
Harry – pastor and seminary professor
 
“Do what you do for the glory of God.”
Jeromey – Bible college and seminary president
 
“Continuously ask, ‘What is Jesus saying to me at this time and place?’”
Michael – pastor and denominational leader
 
“Learn how Jesus discipled and then imitate it.”
Paul – pastor and denominational leader
 
“Pay attention to people; God does.”
Rob – pastor and denominational leader
 
“A deep and dynamic awareness of God’s love
is foundational for my discipleship.”
Rick – pastor, Bible college president and denominational leader

Who are the people speaking a good word into your life?  Who are the wise counselors in your discipleship that speak the truth in love with courage and conviction?  As I said earlier, God brings such people into your life to change its trajectory for the good.  Look for them.  Listen to their advice, even if it is hard to receive at the time.  Journal their good word for future reflection and thanksgiving.  Such people and their sage wisdom are God’s gift to you.

 
“How good is a timely word.”
Proverbs 15:23b
 

[1] Central religious text of Rabbinic Judaism
[2] Proverbs 12:15