Fearlessly Courageous
Desk of Dennis Piller
6 9 2023
The kind of people you solicit council from tells of the kind of man you are.
Of course, the bigger issue is we seldom ask for counsel from anyone. Why is it that you think the world is so opposed to a relationship with God? I believe they don’t want to be in submission to anyone. they want to do what they want to do when they want to do it. Obedience? I think that only comes into play when they have to or when they want something. Is there no place for truth today? I think the same principles apply to us seeking a council of Godly men or putting ourselves out there to be accountable in our lives.
People are so afraid to speak godly principles into their walk or their work. We don’t want to ruffle any feathers or offend or be spoken poorly of. Christians have become more concerned about offending or stepping on the toes of another’s right of free choice, free expression, and free perversion rather than what God has clearly said would be offensive. If we dare…and the world is daring us… we will be called out, labeled, and hated for being none inclusive. But no, we are under some illusion, that we must always be kind and uplifting and complementary and non-confrontational to be a good Christian. I certainly don’t want to be ostracized, shunned, and thought poorly off. Look, I think we can always be polite and kind but that should not preclude us from speaking the truth in love.
I guess in the end it boils down to what army are we in. Who is our commander-in-chief? What kind of man are we? What lines have we drawn regarding our standards of living and who we are living for? Luke 6:22 says ” Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you, and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man”.
What has become of the pulpits of Gods truth? Have they been traded for the feel-good gospels of acceptance, conformity, and inclusion without accountability, without consequence, and without obedience to God or the guidelines and boundaries he defined as standards to live by and to die for?
We all have a pulpit. We all have a congregation. We all have a sphere of influence. We all have a testimony.
But our silence or appeasement of the world will not satisfy one for long. Ultimately it will not really bring peace. And when you do decide to take a stand …some of those curses could indeed be compliments or even blessings depending on what dictionary or book of truth you prescribe to or what king is on your throne…
Personally, don’t we all love to bring comfort and encouragement to others?
Yes, we are called even commanded to deliver the good news of grace and forgiveness. “You shall be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8).or
Luke 7:22 “Go and report to John what you have seen and heard”.
I am in a situation where I must deliver some hard, bottom-line truth to a brother and that will be in the face of what he doesn’t want to hear. I will be kind and as gentle as the truth will allow but I cannot give them something just to maintain a pseudo-peaceful relationship with them or speak less than the truth
and be less than a true friend.
There will always be that temptation of wanting to be liked by just being quiet on the principles or commandments of God. But then I must face an equally large compromise in that what I share looks so much like the world and they cannot see the difference of me being a Christian. Hebrews 10:24 says “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds”. Seeking Godly counsel and being open to accountability is about allowing people to get close enough to us, so they understand, our triggers, our failings, and insecurities and help us to navigate the situations in positive and healthy ways.
Prov 12:15 say, “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.
Finding the right counsel, and the right accountability partners must be undertaken carefully and prayerfully. Talking to your pastor or lay leader who is solid in the faith is a good place to start for direction. It is something men typically do not do very well. You will need to pray and ask God for the grace to persevere in this. It will be by his spirit. Pray for this person(S) daily. Asking God to open those doors. I would suggest you have more than one. Many times joining a small bible study or group can help open the door to Christian relationships that can lead to the door you’re praying for and so desperately need to grow in your faith. wise counsel
CS Lewis said. “A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you”.
Casting Crowns Voice of Truth
