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!
Are you correctable? Can you submit to those that God has placed over you spiritually? Your growth is determined by the level of correction you are able to receive. Most people today refuse any level of correction or instruction. Yes, there are those who correct you to embarrass you for every mistake you make, or any ignorance you may have on a particular subject, but I am not speaking of those who would use criticism to wound you. I am speaking of those who truly love you and have been called to come alongside you to properly mentor you. The Lord Jesus mentored the twelve disciples. He even rebuked Peter when it became necessary. He even rebuked the spiritual leaders during His earthly ministry. Moses mentored Joshua. Elijah mentored Elisha. Paul mentored Timothy. Proverbs 9:9 says “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning”. So you can clearly see that correction is the path to wisdom and learning. My question to you today is: Who is mentoring you? This is an important and necessary path to increase in the Kingdom of God. Without it, you will only be spinning you wheels without going anywhere!
Hosea 4:6 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me;
Because you have forgotten the law of your God,
I also will forget your children”.
