Hurting people hang with hurting people. We love those who commiserate and avoid those who correct us. Yet correction and direction are what we need.
I discovered the importance of healthy counsel in a half-Ironman triathlon. After the 1.2–mile swim and the 56–mile bike ride, I didn’t have much energy left for the 13.1–mile run. Neither did the fellow jogging next to me. I asked him how he was doing and soon regretted it. He said, “This stinks. It’s the dumbest decision I’ve ever made.” He had more complaints than a taxpayer at the IRS.
My response to him? “Goodbye.” I knew if I listened too long, I’d start agreeing with him. Proverbs 19:20 reminds us to “take good counsel and watch your plans succeed.” So be quick to pray, seek healthy counsel, and don’t give up.
