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Permission or Guidance?

I have reached a point of not knowing whether  people are interested in guidance or permission.

They ask what to do, and if they do not like what you have to say, they do their own thing.  When you go to someone seeking advice, is that really what you are looking for?  Are you surrendered to follow as long as it lines up with the Bible?  Is your heart teachable and open? Do you trust the person you have asked?  Will the conversation fall on deaf ears?

Some things to keep in mind:

1.  You and I do not know everything.  One of the first things to grasp is what you do not know….and stop kidding yourself when you think you do.  On deputation, if people knew half of what they think they do, support would be raised in three months.

2.  What we do not know someone else does.  It is vital to surround ourselves with the right people.  You need to be discipled so that you can disciple.  Have a mentor in your life.  Find people who have gotten the job done and listen thoroughly to them.

3.  We must be willing to ask.  Take initiative in your life. Cease to have the attitude that people are to call, visit and come to you and start seeking out people.  Have a list of questions with you.  Learn how to ask questions, then learn how to listen. You may not ask because you do not want to seem ignorant.  Too late.  Those who do know already sense your ignorance because you will not ask and learn.  Be careful of often hardening your neck.

4.  We must be willing to change.  When advice and counsel are given, I must apply it to my life and ministry.  If I keep going the same direction I will continue to end up in the same destination.  Our mindset should be,  “I am not looking for you to validate what I am doing I am looking for direction in my life.”

In the multitude of counsellors there is safety.  In the book of proverbs alone is a wealth of wisdom dealing with counsel.  Look up some references today and see how your life lines up with the wise.  Deputation is a blast, if you do it correctly.  If you do it your own way do not blame the economy or the field you are going to for a stubborn, unteachable spirit. Stop asking for permission and start seeking Godly counsel.

I want to help everybody, but not everybody wants help.

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