The Final Word

Humanity consumes itself, for good and ill, with the opinions of others. If you want to buy a new item these days, we often post on Facebook and ask opinions. Trying to figure out which new restaurant to try demands a tweet to see what responses are provided. This isn't bad. I'm not suggesting it is in the least.

In fact, the Bible teaches the value of godly wisdom from counselors. Proverbs 15:22 says, "Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed." Even the Psalmist wrote about the danger of listening to the counsel of the ungodly or sitting in the seat of the scornful (Psalm 1). It is good and right to take godly counsel from others. God speaks always by His Spirit and primarily through His Word. However, He does use others to speak to us and confirm what He is doing in our lives.

Herein lies the caution, though. Who gets the final word? Too many are enamored with the opinions of others, fearful of letting down friends, parents, spouses, coworkers, neighbors, etc. with their decision(s) or action(s). Yet the final word must never go to another person, but to the God who has called us by His own glory and goodness.

The Book of Acts records in chapters 20 forward the journey of the Apostle Paul to Jerusalem. He acknowledges by his own words that the Spirit of God has indicated to him that affliction and suffering await him in Jerusalem (Acts 20:23). Nevertheless, he knows Christ has called him to go to Jerusalem, for the Lord has purpose for him there. Even as he travels on, he finds in two places believers are encouraging him not to go to Jerusalem (Acts 21:4; Acts 21:10-12). Even so, the final word rested with Jesus Christ. Paul continued on, willing to be bound and to die (Acts 21:13), knowing it was the will of God to go. Had Paul listened to the counsel of other believers, others who did love and follow God, he would never have traveled to Jerusalem.

The final word in our lives should come from the Forever King who rules and reigns over our lives. What is He speaking to you? Will you allow anything to dissuade you from accomplishing it for the glory of God?