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Who should we listen to?

Who should we listen to? This is important because we can only respond to our future and to our challenges with the knowledge that we currently possess. If we don’t have the right information, it can be disastrous to us. The other day the network news reported that a police officer entered her home and found someone in her apartment. She shot and killed the alleged “intruder”. However, it turned out that she had entered her neighbor’s apartment and killed an innocent man!  Wrong information and understanding can and will hurt you and others. Therefore, we absolutely need to make sure: (1)to read the Word and seek God’s wisdom, (2) our information is correct, and (3)surround ourselves with the right people in order to get sound advice, wisdom and information. Ecclesiastes 7:5 (GW) says: “It is better to listen to wise people who reprimand you than to fools who sing your praises”. The Amplified version of Ecclesiastes 7:5 says it this way: “It is better to listen to the rebuke of the wise man and pursue wisdom Than for one to listen to the song of fools and pursue stupidity”. We are all connected to many people, whether at work, in our community, family and even church. This means that we are always hearing many pieces of advice or information. The challenge is to filter out any and all foolish and wrong information, and accept only the wisdom and understanding that will help us to make the right decisions and live a righteous life. Don’t follow the crowds. Seek wise people and receive their advice and corrections. It will be life and health to you, and you will be able to pursue the paths that will be pleasing to God and benefit your family!

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Who do you look up to?

As humans, we all look to someone’s life and actions to learn from them. Children observe their fathers and mothers in order to learn how to deal with life’s many challenges. Many children don’t get the privilege of having both of their parents present with them due to unforeseen circumstances, so they look to an aunt, uncle, brother, sister, or foster parent for the needed mentorship. However, the greatest mentorship we can get is looking unto Jesus. He is our perfect mentor. He is the true author and finisher of our faith. He teaches us what true faithfulness, maturity, love, peace, joy, respect, faith and family is. He is the door to the Heavenly Father. It is by His sacrifice that we were adopted into His family. He teaches us what a true, mature and righteous man is and does. He is the finisher of our faith. In other words, He helps us throughout our lifetime in all of our difficulties and challenges, and by His Spirit, continually strengthens our faith so that we can make it to the finish line of life in victory! Yes, we all look up to someone in life, but the perfect model and mentor is the Lord Jesus Himself. Look to Him. He is the author and finisher of your faith!

Hebrews 12:2 “looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]”.