A Good Word

Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!” —Proverbs 4:7a NLT

There are particular people God allows to cross our path of discipleship, fellow sojourners who change the trajectory of our spiritual formation. I remember the good word given to me by Haldane Rowan, director of Capernwray Torchbearers Australia. His good word came to me when I was a 22-year-old student at Capernwray and, at best, a lukewarm disciple of Jesus. I needed to choose between a “Philocentric” life and a Christocentric one. I was not behaving at the school in a manner that would match my testimony. Simply put, I was foolish and immature. I would describe myself then as being at the crossroads of significant discipleship decisions. The battle was on for who would sit on the throne of my life — me or King Jesus. Would I bow to Jesus as my lord and respond wholeheartedly to his call upon my life? With a posture of kindness, Haldane said, “God has called you for his purposes; the time to serve him is now.” His good word changed the trajectory of my life.

“Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others,” are words attributed to King Solomon (Prov 12:15). These words have shaped my discipleship for many years. I am blessed to have good counsellors, godly folk who speak the truth in love. On my discipleship journey I often cross paths with believers who possess keen insight into matters of life and faith. These Christians have my ear. We need such advisors for a healthy, vibrant, and growing spiritual formation. The best of these counsellors are people of courage and conviction, followers of Jesus who listen well and are slow to speak. They are meek people who possess great humility and consciously seek to build others up. Wise counsellors have a depth of life experiences that inform them, experiences that comprise both hard lessons and hallelujah moments. Who are the wise counsellors in your life? Who are the godly people bringing a good word to you as a disciple of Jesus?

I understand the Apostle Paul to be a godly character, seasoned in the gospel, fervent in faith and mission. He is a person of wisdom and good counsel. The pastoral letters (1 and 2 Timothy) give witness to his good words for the young Timothy serving as a teacher and preacher in the Ephesian church. Consider the following wisdom he passes along to this young leader whom he calls his son in the faith:

“This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: ̒Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:15-17 NLT

Who is a wise man? He who learns of all men.” —The Talmud

Who is like the Apostle Paul in your life? As I reflected upon this question, I was reminded of all the faithful believers who have spoken a good word to me as I followed Jesus. It was then that the Holy Spirit nudged me to reach out to some of these wise counsellors and ask them a simple question:

What is the most life-transforming wisdom you now possess and wish you had known much earlier in your discipleship? I believe the purpose of this gentle prodding by the Holy Spirit was so that I might share with others, like those of you who read this piece, the responses I received. And so, this is my attempt to do just that. The following nuggets of wise insight are for your edification and encouragement. All these folks I petitioned have over 25 years of discipleship experience; most have served in significant leadership roles or are doing so now. As you read their words, take time to soak in what is being shared and reflect on how it might help to inspire your discipleship.