Today’s Blog: Who Paints Your Picture?

TODAY’S PROVERB: The plans of the righteous are just, but the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. Proverbs 12:5, TLV

Have you ever had someone “paint a picture” that wasn’t real — wasn’t accurate? The “picture” could be anything from buying a vehicle, to social media posts, to faith, to encouragement. Because, when we put our “faith” in that picture without substantiating its credibility — or the person — we may be deceived.

Whether the person conveying this picture is sincere or has wicked intent, we are foolish to accept something that hasn’t been vetted by the Holy Spirit.

Followers of Jesus, too?

This also applies to well-meaning brothers and sisters of Jesus.

Have any of us had one of those “encouragements” or “words from the Lord” that sent us down a path that we shouldn’t have ventured? A detour? I sure have. Unfortunately, far too many times, because I didn’t use my God-given discernment.

The typical scenario I have experienced is another believer who gives me counsel or direction. Honestly, the counsel is usually encouraging. In fact, I feel pumped up. I was going to accomplish great exploits for the Lord after all. It was then punctuated with, “And it is coming soon!” Soon. Some of those “words” are going on decades without fulfillment.

These “prophetic” announcements are frustrating in the best case, dangerous at worst. Back in the early days, prophets were killed if they spoke a false word or misdirected someone to serve other gods (Deuteronomy 13).

“Loved ones, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 

JOHN, 1 JOHN 4:1, TLV

One of the things I observed with these well-meaning, deceitful counsels, was that they tended to focus on me. Rather than encouraging me with our Heavenly Father’s love, His omniscience, authority, power, etc., the counsel was more about my abilities, or worse, that I deserved it.

I call this type of counsel misdirected. All wisdom and counsel should direct us back to our Father. Not to us or our abilities or merit.

Wise counsel?

Does this mean we don’t seek wise counsel? Of course we should seek Godly wisdom from our fellow brothers and sisters. That’s why we fellowship and have community. It’s important, however, that they actually be wise. That means watching to see the fruits of those we hope to go to.

Then, as with all counsel, test the spirits.

Then there is us . . .

It then follows that if someone seeks us for counsel, we better make sure to hear from the Holy Spirit. If we’re painting a picture that is all roses and ivy, pray again. Whatever we believe we’re hearing from the Lord, be sure to always direct them to our Father and His Holy Spirit for confirmation. And, give Him the glory.

Ultimately, as the Body of Messiah, we want all members’ righteous plans to succeed. To be just. Rather than us painting a picture, let’s allow the Holy Spirit to share the Father’s picture for us. Because, He knows the whole picture.

May we follow the Father’s plan of righteousness, my friends.

Proverbs 12:5 Tree of Life Version – TLV, #tlvbible, #tlvproverbs

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