Matthew 16:22
“Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, ‘Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!’ ”
Peter meant well. Peter was not trying to be rude or disrespectful, neither was he intentionally trying to block the will of God from happening. Despite Peter having pure and good intentions, his counsel was as godless and off-key as it could be. Good intention is not good enough. Peter’s desire to please and preserve his master led him to rebuke his Lord. Peter was a good man, and it’s possible to be good and to be out of touch with God.
Before giving counsel, seek heaven’s heart first. God has a divine plan for every life and only when we can discern God’s will for a person, should we go ahead and give authoritative counsel to such a one. As someone in authority, I tremble at the possibility of leading men away from God’s purpose for their lives. We must all be cautious and careful in how we give and receive counsel. Good intentions are not good enough. Good counsel can be bad and unspiritual, despite the good heart of the counsel giver. Discernment is the key.
“Lord, heighten my spiritual discernment so that I don’t give false counsel or open my heart to embrace good counsel that contradicts Your will for my life. Lord, watch and guard me jealously, in Jesus name. Amen.”
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