Voices, and lots of them. The world is full of free advice. There are many who will gladly tell you how you should live. The funny thing is, many people haven’t a clue on how to live. So rather than working on their life, they work on yours.
We all need others who speak into our lives. People who advise us, influence our decisions, challenge us to grow. It is a dangerous thing to navigate this life in solitude. I am regularly shocked when I hear of people making huge life decisions in a vacuum. In other words, they have no advisors, no counselors, no friends that help them to see different perspectives.
“Where no counsel is, the people fall; but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14 (KJV)
We all need others who speak into our lives.
However, we don’t need a lot of people doing this. And we certainly don’t need the wrong people doing this. Choose wisely whom you allow to speak into your life.
Some hints on who NOT to allow as an influencer:
- Watch their life; if they’re messed up, don’t let them in.
- Do they have something to gain from you? Could they manipulate you for their benefit?
- Do they talk too much and betray confidences?
- Are they a dominator?
- Does what they say line up with what God says?
Avoid taking advice from people who will lead you in the wrong direction.
On the other hand, God can use anyone – a humble friend, a younger person, even someone who has never walked in your shoes to speak important things to you.
We all need others who speak into our lives.
If you lack this important resource in your life, ask God to provide these people. And if you are not speaking into the lives of others, ask God to position you so you can.
“Without good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances.” Proverbs 11:14 (MSG)
Thoughts on Life and Leading 