How you can avoid arrogance, foolishness, and embarrassing error
By Dean Collins
How many counselors, mentors, and advisors have you had so far in your life? According to the wisdom of Solomon, more is better than fewer! And while we can learn from others who do not profess faith in Jesus and try to allow God’s Word to be the light for their paths, we would do far better if we sought the wisdom of God from people who practice it.
‘Many advisers’
The question is difficult for me to answer because for decades I have tried to practice seeking wise counsel from godly men and women God placed around me. I have often referred to three men God put in my life 30-40 or more years ago as my most cherished mentors. In each case, I had no previous connection to these men, but God in his amazing generosity planned intersections of my life with theirs. And each became crucial in my growth as a Christian, leader, counselor, father, husband, and follower of Christ.
While I learned and grew under the mentoring of Smith, Forest, and Jim, they were certainly not the only advisors or mentors in my life. As early as age 15 I can recall seeking out godly men and women who would help me think about how I would pursue God’s will. Some of you reading today’s post gave me godly advice 40 or 50 years ago! Some of you helped me get through my parent’s divorce, make career choices, and take leadership positions long before I ever imagined being ready.
In every season of my adult life, I have tried to build both organized and informal boards of men and women who could advise me, provide guardrails, and pray for me no matter what was going on in my life. Any success I have enjoyed can be directly attributed to the wisdom of “many advisers.” And while I haven’t tried to count the failures, I am sure that most of those were the result of either not seeking God’s wisdom from his kingdom people or, worse, not listening to the advice and wisdom offered to me.
Wise guidance
While there are more than three Bible references on the importance of seeking godly wisdom, the three passages I read this morning give ample statement of our need for godly advisers and counselors:
• Without counsel plans fail
• With many advisers plans succeed
• Where there is no guidance, a people falls
• In the abundance of counselors there is safety
• By wise guidance you can wage your war
• In abundance of counselors there is victory
If we are seeking success in our kingdom living, both in daily life and with specific projects, I believe it would be a huge mistake not to seek wisdom and guidance from the people God brings into our life. If you think you have it all figured out and resist the opportunities of growth that come through kingdom-minded brothers and sisters, I expect you will soon discover what it feels like to trip over one’s arrogance. Solomon might call that foolishness.
Lord, forgive us for the times we have tried to live life simply by our wisdom. We humble ourselves before you and confess not only do we need your Spirit and your Word to guide us, but we also need the godly wisdom that comes from the faithful servants you have placed in our lives. Fill us with childlike faith so that we never outgrow seeking the wisdom of your people in the assignments you give us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your time with God’s Word
Proverbs 15:22-23; 11:14; 24:5-6 ESV
Photo by Medienstürmer on Unsplash
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