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When a marriage is “on the rocks” and about to be broken, we urge that couple to get marriage counseling. Those with money problems can go to a financial adviser/planner for counseling. In fact, there are people and institutions that do nothing all day but debt-relief counseling. (Talk about specialization!)
To Christians who thought that they had all the bases covered because they were measuring spiritual worth by earthly standards, Jesus said, “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see” (Revelation 3:18). The word translated “counsel” literally suggests, “to give (or take) advice jointly” (Strong’s). It seems that Jesus is saying, “Think with me about this,” or as Isaiah records, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD” (Isaiah 1:18).
In order for counseling to do any good, there are two essentials. First, the counselor has to know and give good advice. Second, that advice has to be put into practice. Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6). His words are Spirit and they are Life (John 6:63). The gold he counsels us to buy must surely be treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). The raiment to cover our nakedness must be a home in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:1-4). The eye salve must mean understanding and doing His word (Matthew 13:13-16). Will we take heavenly advice and make a home in heaven our main concern?
J. Brooks Boyd Jr.
Livingston Church of Christ
Livingston, TN