The Three Harbor Lights

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." (Proverbs 15:22) "Test everything; hold fast what is good." (1 Thessalonians 5:21)Imagine a ship trying to enter a dangerous harbor at night.

The channel is narrow, and there are sharp rocks on both sides hidden by the dark water. If the captain turns the wheel one degree too far to the left or right, the ship will crash.How does he steer safely?

In the old days, harbors used a system of Three Lights. One light was on the distant hill.One light was on the lower shore.One light was on the end of the pier. The captain knew that he was safe only when he steered the ship so that all three lights lined up perfectly to look like one single light.

If he could see three separate lights, he was off course. He had to wait until they merged into one.This is how we discern God's Voice . We often make mistakes because we steer by only one light. "I have a peace about it" (Feelings).

But you can have peace about a bad decision if your conscience is seared. "A door opened" (Circumstances). But Jonah had an "open door" (a ship to Tarshish) that led him away from God. To make a wise decision, look for the Alignment of Three Lights : ** The Word of God (Objective):** Does this decision contradict the Bible?

(If yes, stop. The other lights don't matter). The Spirit of God (Subjective): Do I sense the "still small voice" or a conviction in prayer? Is there an internal "check" in my spirit? The People of God (Community): What do my wise mentors and pastors say?

Do they see red flags that I am blind to? When the Bible, the Spirit, and Wise Counsel all say "Go," you can move forward with confidence. If they disagree, you are drifting toward the rocks.

(Tap to expand)Theologically, this protects us from the danger of "Subjectivism."We live in a culture that says, "Follow your heart."The Bible says, "The heart is deceitful above all things" (Jeremiah 17:9).

Your heart is a thermometer (it reflects the temperature), not a thermostat (it doesn't set the temperature). Never let your feelings drive the bus.The Safety of the Council:Notice Proverbs 11:14: "In the multitude of counselors there is safety."

God often speaks to us through the mouths of others to check our pride.If you are dating someone and everyone in your life (your parents, your pastors, your best friends) thinks it is a bad idea, but you think it's God's will...

you are almost certainly wrong. That is arrogance, not faith.The Order of Authority:The Lights are not equal. The Bible is the Primary Light. If you have a "dream" or a "word from a friend" that contradicts Scripture, throw the dream away.

God will never contradict Himself. Reflect on this:Think of a bad decision you made in the past.Did you ignore one of the lights?Did you ignore the Bible because you "felt" in love?Did you ignore your community because you didn't want to hear the truth?

Wisdom is usually found in the consensus of the lights. 👣 Take a Step Don't be a "Lone Ranger" Christian.