Advice, criticism, council, direction, guidance, instruction; oh how we love to dish this out but when it's our turn to be on the receiving end we aren't interested.
So why is it so hard? One thing that kids and adults have in common is, we don't like being told what to do, especially when we think we know whats right and whats best. Sadly, this isn't always the case. There are times when we may ask a variety of people for their thoughts/opinions and what tends to happen is we accept the parts we agree with and ignore the bits we don't like. Being able to take advice has nothing to do with whether we like it or not. If that was the case we would never an issue with it. However, we should have the ability to hear someones advice and take this on board not because we agree but because we trust wisdom. Not everyones advice is good advice hence it is important that in our lives we have wise council. These should be people who are mature in their faith, respected, good examples, live according to the word of God and aren't a contradiction. In most cases these people would/should be older than you in the faith with far more life experience. These are the kind that can impart wisdom. Being able to turn to such people shouldn't be taken for granted. Though we may not always agree with what they have to say, we should be able to trust their knowledge and judgment. Ultimately what we do is down to us, but there is something about advice that is crucial in our lives. Does this mean we can't accept advice from non-believers, absolutely not. Wisdom can be found all over but we must be able to cross check this with the word of God. If it does not align with biblical teachings then we must think twice about it.
What does the bible say on this matter?
Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.
Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.
...fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.
Relying on our own understanding can allow us to miss judge situations. Having an outsider looking in gives us the opportunity to see where we could have gone wrong or miss understood/interrupted a situation. We should also be comfortable enough to receive correction because sometimes, (though we may not see it) the fault lies with us. When the bible says two are better than one, it's because we shouldn't be going through life alone and so we shouldn't just be living off our own thoughts but embracing the wisdom around us. And when it talks on two or three being gathered in my name, we can again apply this to seeking advice. Asking the right people for help, who will then refer to the bible and pray with you, God will get involved.
There are times we must be prepared to be challenged. Some advice is going test us. Though we may not understand, we cant see whats ahead. This tends to happen through discipleship. It is a crucial part of our walk.
Now the most difficult part, having humility. We shouldn't be too prideful to take advice. NO matter what it is, how knowledgeable you are, there is someone out there who knows more than you. Not being prideful also means being able to respect wisdom from those that may not be on the same salary as you, are younger than you, do not hold the same academic certificates etc. You might have a PHD and the person discipling you doesn't. Does this mean they aren't able to give you parenting advice? It like celebrities. Footballers make more than their managers, regardless they fall under their manager/coach/agents instruction. Why? Though they may be more skilled in playing football they require support in training, contracts etc.
Lastly, when seeking knowledge of course we must always turn to God. Yes God can use people and speak through them, but we also have direct access to him.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Comments