1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

I have been pondering comparatives this morning. While the bible says we are unwise to compare ourselves with ourselves, that was talking about sin behaviors. What about hope behavior?

It occurs to me that anyone that asks about why you have hope sees a different response to the same circumstances which they share. Hope responds differently than hopelessness. True hope is not born of instructional belief. True hope is born of faith experienced. We place our faith in Christ and in doing so He reveals Himself in ways that mere education cannot experience.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Faith being substance can be quantified and qualified. Educational belief does not provide evidence of its value to a hope beyond the realm of its own understanding. It does not produce faith or hope, only understanding.

My first answer to anyone who asks me about my hope would be the evidence seen by them to even ask. The fact that they notice a difference in my behavior is a form of evidence. My second statement would be that I have a history of evidence provided to me by the One in whom I have hope. Our hope is not placed in a desired end, but rather in the One who has made promises and kept them.

Isaiah 57:10 Thou art wearied in the greatness of thy way; yet saidst thou not, There is no hope: thou hast found the life of thine hand; therefore thou wast not grieved.

My circumstances do not diminish my hope.

Proverbs 20:18a Every purpose is established by counsel:

When it comes to Spiritual matters I trust in the Lord. He has proven Himself trustworthy. When it comes to earthly matters His Spiritual advice isn’t one to direct me in the way I should go but rather in dealing with my peace. It is the only sign I have in most cases dealing with non-spiritual matters.

Seeking counsel in this day and age can be confusing to say the least. Research on the internet is a common practice for gathering information about any subject. The problem is this, you can find any answer you are looking for if you ask the wrong question.

Who do I trust for sound counsel?

I begin with people I know, who have proven themselves to be trustworthy. If they do not know for sure what to do, they will not lead me in the wrong way and will make suggestions as what to try next. Many counsels may or may not render the best results. Sometimes the minority voice has the right answer.

In this busy life we have the one thing we find lacking is the time to spend with others developing multiple sound counsels. It seems difficult to get two people to meet once a week, much less three or four. In truth those who have demonstrated sound counsel are often sought out by many others.

This brings to the forefront of this devotional this very pointed question, how do we become sound counsel for others? If I said as before I begin with people I know, then making ourselves available is a prime attribute. The second point was trustworthy. All we can do is be sincere. Honesty is the leading edge of trustworthiness. If I don’t know, then I should not fake it, just to have an answer. More than anything else it takes consistency of character. When someone comes to us, we have to put aside our own personal agenda, our problems have to take the back seat.

Proverbs 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

Model your behavior after those who have counseled you well.