Are we listening?
Which decision should I make? Am I listening to God’s wisdom? Am I open to advice?
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22)
Do you work, live with, or go to school with a “know-it-all”? I’m sure we all do. It might possibly be us! As children of God, we should allow God to speak wisdom into our lives. When we quit listening to counsel because we feel we know everything and are smarter than everyone else, or choose to do things our way because we’re convinced we’re right and everyone else is wrong, we cease to grow spiritually and mentally.
Friends, every great CEO that desires for his/her company to prosper will surround themselves with a counsel of people who are smarter than he/she is. They have learned from experience the key to success is to listen to counsel before making final decisions.
The Holy Spirit is our counsel also! He will lead us into all “truth” (Jesus).
Jesus said, “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-the Spirit of Truth.” (John 14:16-17)
He (Holy Spirit) will speak to us 24/7, “if” we will listen. We have to make time with our Heavenly Father to pray and listen with a heart of thanksgiving.
No one person knows everything. And no one says you have to follow others’ advice, but it’s wisdom to pray AND listen before making major decisions.
I remember the ole’ saying, “The older we get, the smarter our parents become” meaning as we get older and wiser, we recognize the wisdom our parents and teachers had all along. We just didn’t recognize it at the time.
In marriage, God joins two hearts to learn to work together, being each other’s counsel and friend. If one of the partners makes ALL the decisions and does everything his/her way, it’s not a real marriage. Couples should make decisions together. This will strengthen their relationship and marriage.
I believe the biggest downfall of successful businessmen is the refusal to listen to counsel with an open mind. Pride says, “I’m smarter and know more than others.” This is the root of failure with every former dictator throughout history. They’d get to a point in their life that they’d refuse to listen to advice.
“Choose…..instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” (Proverbs 8:10-11)
Let’s rely on God for giving/teaching us His wisdom and counsel. Let’s realize that He is the Potter and we are the clay. Yes, we need Him to mold us.
God provides counsel through prayer, and His Word (Bible). Let’s listen….
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)
God is speaking……are we listening?
