Receiving Advice

I was watching a video where a, gentleman was discussing how our need for control is often what stunts our growth. We like to be in charge of our decisions and our life, so we often refuse outside counsel. Proverbs 15:22 tells us that our plans often fail because we have a lack of counselors. When we refuse to ask for advice, we stunt our potential. Whether it’s in life or even in following Christ. God sent the Holy Spirit to guide us, but we often disregard His promptings. He’s given us spiritual leaders, but do we ask them for answers? God wants us to succeed in the plans He has for us. That’s why He has sent us a Helper and given us community. Don’t let your need for control cause you to disregard godly advice and conviction

In Exodus, Moses was tasked with leading millions of Hebrews out of Egypt. He was quick to seek God to help him lead better. With that many people, there were disputes and problems. Moses would personally hear each case and decide who was right and who was wrong. When his father in law Jethro saw this, he decided to offer advice. In Exodus 18:18 he said, “You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself” (NLT). He then gave him an idea for a structure of hearing cases that was efficient. Moses listened, gave up control and gained his ability to lead back. He was willing to take outside opinions and wisdom.

Proverbs 2:1 says, “My child, will you treasure my wisdom? Then, and only then, will you acquire it. And only if you accept my advice and hide it within will you succeed” (TPT). How often do you seek the wisdom of others? If you don’t, what’s driving that decision. The need for control is referred to as pride. We can wear ourselves out, and others too, when we try to do everything ourselves. God created the Body of Christ to have many functions and parts so we could work together. Don’t disregard another part of the body’s ideas or help because they’re not the same part as you. When we give up our need for control, we increase our potential and our reach. When we accept godly wisdom and advice, we will succeed.

Photo by Helena Lopes: