One day you are going to have kids who act just like you. Then you’ll know what its like!”Whether my mother ever said these words or not, I cannot say with certainty. But even if she didn’t say them out loud, I saw her think them. Her message was plain: ‘If you don’t listen, you will just repeat, and pass on, your silly ways.’Was her advice heeded? Suffice it to say that her ‘prophecy’ was fulfilled in more ways than one. I guess I added my name to that list of foolish sons who ‘brought grief to his mother’ (Pro.10:1)Human beings are relational creatures. It is natural for us to seek input from those whose views we appreciate. And natural to reject views we don’t want—solicited or otherwise.I was once told plainly by a man I respected not to waste my time trying to fix a particular situation. I was young and had a lot to prove. Though I resented his lack of support at the time, I assure you that his words, “I wouldn’t do that!” have rung in my ears ever since.I should have remembered Proverbs 19:21—“Many plans are in a man’s heart, But the counsel of the LORD will stand”. The Lord was counselling me and His advice stood true. I, however, ignored his representative counsellor and fell victim to my own advice.On a number of occasions Jesus told the crowds, “If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.” He was calling all to listen specifically to him. For his wisdom to permeate the heart and mind. We must learn our Bibles.In all things Jesus’ words must be our first port of call when seeking advice. If he doesn’t deal with the life-situation directly or indirectly, he most certainly gives you wisdom on the calibre of person from whom to seek advice. I know that this paragraph is not appreciated by some. My advice on this, and all things, is that of Jesus:“Consider carefully what you hear. With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them” (Mk.4:24-25).
John Staiger
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