Panama City Beach, FL 2010: Surely anybody receiving advice from this shark would consider that a cold-blooded killing machine is speaking. In the same way, people should consider the spiritual realities surrounding advice givers.

From Trent Ling:

I have had my share of defeats and difficulties, regardless of how things may appear.  I’ve spent all of my life “in trouble” over something according to someone, somewhere.  In all of that, I remain grateful that God holds steadfast as a zero-favoritism arbiter of disputes and judgments.  Like a well-raised child, I get to learn my lessons, take my licks, and get on better and wiser than before.

I am forever saddened over those who circumvent this immaculate pruning and refining process in their own lives, never becoming anything new, and yet still having a lot to say.  I call them “sinning experts.”  Such people offer themselves as having a clue despite secret or not-so-secret sin over which the Bible would recommend raised eyebrows from all.

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”  Hebrews 3:13.

First, may this website provide some of that daily encouragement.  Second, may our counsel, testimony, and vision not be ruined or debunked by deceitfulness and hardening from our own sin.  The smoker opines about health care; the curser weighs in about class; the adulterer counsels on commitments; the liar wants to be believed; the coward thinks the world needs leadership; and the lazy assure us that none of this matters.  Self-deceived, sinners almost always profess new, going-straight plans right on the heels of committing their pet offenses yet again, and again.

The real test and standard has to do with repentance, not words.  When the sinner’s account loops back through true humility, understanding, Scriptural footing, and a grace demonstrated to have come from God, then a sinner’s counsel might have some value.  But, when the loop back is replaced by customary insistence upon talking over the sin, then we have a mumbler not a counselor.

In my 21 years of ministering, it never fails.  The most vocal and clueless “teachers” continue to be those who pay zero attention to the dynamics of life in Christ, cannot be slowed by such things as humility, and keep right on talking about how they really got it figured out this time.  When God proves once again that nothing has been figured out, without blushing or pausing, they motor right along anew about how they got it now.  Whether they even believe themselves or not, all should know enough today to place them in the “sinning experts” column that we may stop following their delusions, help slow their speech, and offer them an out with no words or rants, but only power and rest.

Don’t follow the sinning experts; throw them a lifeline instead.