I was at my grandsons T-ball game this last weekend, and it was great to watch the innocence of the 4 to 6-year old boys and girls playing baseball. They were at different levels of ability, some starting to grasp the concept of the game, including hitting, catching, and running the bases, while others were new, and they seemed to sit there either amused, in awe, or confused.
Although everyone wore the same uniform on the outside, representing that they were, in fact, on the same team; it didnt look like that most of the time. Each child was at a different level of ability, and you could clearly see their strengths and weaknesses as they took their turn participating. They werent working as a team yet, instead they were focusing on what they were doing as individuals.
The mixture of these simple little minds reminded my of us adults in our Christian walk. Some of us are just learning what a walk with the Lord entails, while others have been at it a few more years. Some of us can have the hardest times with the most basic things in attempting to be Christ like, while others seem to have found their niche, and have adapted to the needs around them; they are now thinking of the team, and not just of themselves.
I watched the kids take turns batting and when they made contact with the ball, it was great to see the excitement on their faces. The parents and coaches begin to scream out all the commands at once, and the kids would be flooded with information and somewhat caught between what to do. It was mostly chaotic, as each person was giving advice with passion, but there were so many people speaking, not much was really being processed.
Thats what happens to us when we are given advice as well. People are trying to help in their own way, as they start to tell us which way to go, and when to do it, when to stop; along with everything else they think we need to know. And we, too, can end up like these little kids; caught in confusion and chaos, as we slowly learn right from wrong, good advice from bad, and experience is gained from our living life.
God does not want us to have to learn our lessons this way though. That is why He has given us His Word to read and learn from.
Now therefore, listen to me, my children, For blessed are those who keep my ways. Proverbs 8:32 (NKJV)
Unfortunately there are some people who are so prideful, that their way has got to be the right way, and the only way. They can even force their opinions and strong-arm others into accepting their advice. They may intimidate, coerce, or even verbally abuse others who decline this advice, or attack the character of that person for not applying it. They are set in their fleshly ways, and not willing to move in the direction of Gods way.
Hey, God will bring people into our lives that walk in His ways, and are full of good counsel. The enemy will bring bad advice. We would be wise to seek good Godly counsel.
Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14 (NKJV)
A fool says he doesnt need counsel, or that he is not getting something out of one who shares Gods Word. This person will be full of strife, and will see calamity in their life.
Wise people store up knowledge, But the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. Proverbs 10:14 (NKJV)
I guess it is kind of like watching those kids throw the ball to home plate after the batter would hit it. They would make the throw, and if it went to the catcher, he may have caught it. But if the ball would be thrown to the left or right of the catcher, he seemed to stand his ground, unwilling to move, and therefore he would miss the play.
Thats what happens when we stand our ground in pride; when were not willing to move from our position on a matter; when we think that our way of thinking is right, and thats all there is to it. Im not saying or suggesting that we should move on our position if we are obeying God, and were conveying it in truth and love. But if what we believe doesnt line up with the Word of God, then we are being foolish at best if were not willing to move in His direction.
Hey Christian, its either Good (God) Counsel, or its Bad Advice!
STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn from the scriptures above with regards to seeking, listening, and applying Gods Word?
PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you willing to listen to, or seek Gods ways even if it means going against the way you used to do it, or want to do it?
APPLICATION: Seek the Lord in everything you do. Dont be prideful. Agree to disagree, but resolve to use the Word of God as the final word when making your decisions.
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