Together in Christ: 'No Lone Ranger Christians' — Proverbs 15:22

Sunday, October 20, 2024

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
— Proverbs 15:22 NLT

Key Thought

I have always found the description, "That person is a Lone Ranger type!" somewhat confusing. The description is supposed to mean the person tries to live alone, on their own, and not depending on others. Yet the Lone Ranger had Tonto as a constant companion, loyal friend, and dependable support. The truth is, we all need one or two other friends to help us negotiate life. [1] Even with all the power and authority the Lord Jesus gave his apostles when He sent them out to serve, he still insisted that they do their work with a partner. [2] Despite Barnabas and Paul being inspired and led by the Holy Spirit, they needed to meet with other church leaders to receive their counsel and gain their support so they could continue to reach non-Jews with the Good News about Jesus. [3] Agreeing on crucial issues is challenging, yet necessary, work. None of us is wiser on our own than we are with a gathering of spiritually wise advisors who are seeking to live under the lordship of Jesus, honor the will of God, and live the mission the Holy Spirit empowered them to accomplish!

[1] Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.
[2] Mark 6:7; Luke 10:1.
[3] Acts 15:1-29.

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, the Creator Who brought order and beauty out of chaos at creation, we humbly ask that You use us to bring peace to Your spiritual family here on earth. Give us spiritually wise leaders. Humble us gently so that we can be gracious and gentle with others. Most of all, dear Father, please strip us of the arrogance that divides, criticizes, and hinders our wise decisions and efforts toward unity. We ask for Your help, Father, to listen to the spiritual voices of others so we can more completely discern Your will. We ask this in the authority of our Lord Jesus. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Acts 15:1-29
  • Romans 14:1-13

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Illustration

Illustration of Proverbs 15:22 NLT — Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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