vs. (16). We have an inner and inter-relationship and are depen dent upon others who know the Lord (I Corinthians 12:26). In basic concept, many of the New Testa ment letters are given as practical counsel from the writers, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It is certainly biblical for believers to help in bearing one another's burdens. This is not a sign of weak ness in seeking the help of others. In actuality, it shows great strength and maturity. In a football game, when the team reaches fourth down and one yard to go, the game being tied, they face a critical situation. This requires time out and a trip to the sidelines to talk to the coach. No body feels the quarterback is lack ing in intelligence and judgment when he does this. Even so, it makes good sense for us to talk to some one whom we know to be spir itually mature. Make certain it is someone who has clear insight and knows the Word intimately. And, by the way, do not go to the wrong sideline. Talk to those who can help you in your spiritual growth. In major decisions and crucial problems it is wise to seek proper counsel. Proverbs reminds us of the wisdom in a multitude of coun sellors. God can let us know His will, or at least give us data con cerning His will, as we check it out with other mature individuals. Remember, too, that counsel has limitations. No one human being has all the answers. All of us in certain areas are biased, preju diced, subjective and not fully in formed. As a generality, the more one tends to idolize his counsellor, the less he will evaluate carefully the counsel received. No one is
sinless, except for the Saviour. Counsel is really appropriate infor mation and insight which others can give. The responsibility for de cisions and actions must be yours. Do not expect, or allow, others to make your decisions for you. Additionally, there is the practi cal area of common sense. This is simply the ability to think in an unpredictable world. For example, if you lose sleep, you will get tired, which is a predictable result. There are many areas of life like this. ("Play with fire and you will get burned." "Disobey the rules and you will get in trouble.") We are warned not to think proudly of ourselves but rather to think sen sibly (Romans 12:3). This is the biblical doctrine of common sense (II Timothy 1:7). God's Spirit work ing in us will produce power, love and logical, common sense. So, in discovering the will of God, we can look for the things that are sensible. For example, con sider physical health. My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Yet, the Bible is not a text on physical fitness. Medical science has dis covered much truth about health which we should put to use. It is a good idea to eat the right kinds of food, to get the right amount of sleep, to have proper exercise, and to refrain from smoking or drink ing intoxicating beverages. This is not only common sense, but it is also God's will. There are also limitations to common sense for it is not "com plete sense." We will never have all the facts nor will we know all of the answers. "I the Lord search the heart, I test the mind . . . " (Jer emiah 17:10 NASB). What may seem sensible to us is not always Page 51
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