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!
Trust is a powerful factor in relationships. Trust engenders honor. Trust ascribes value. Trust says you are important. Trust says I’ve checked you out and you have character and integrity. Psalm 118:8 (AMPC) says: “It is better to trust and take refuge in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” This is not saying that we cannot trust people. There are trustworthy people around us. It is saying that we need to primarily trust God and His word. He has to be first. If we trust what people say over what God says, it will lead us astray. When God is the bedrock of our lives, nothing people say or do will lead us astray. Jeremiah 17:5 (AMP) says: “Thus says the Lord, “Cursed is the man who trusts in and relies on mankind, making [weak, faulty human] flesh his strength, and whose mind and heart turn away from the Lord”. Note how the prophet emphasizes that we must stay away from trusting in weak, faulty flesh. We are not to allow “flesh” to turn our hearts away from the Lord. So today, we need to make a personal assessment and see where our trust is. If it is in the wrong place, today is the perfect day to make the needed adjustment. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths”. Proverbs 3:5,6.
