There is always someone ready and willing to give us advice on any decision we need to make. What should be our response to another's counsel? A careful balance is required here as in many other experiences in the Christian life, for we need to steer carefully between the rocks of proud obstinacy on the one hand and the sandy shoals of great pliability on the other.
It helps us to judge the value of a man's advice when we are confident of his Christianity. Consider these factors: Does he believe and practice in his own life the principle "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness"? Is his life consistent with his profession? What does he really know about my personality, my training, or my background and skills? Is he familiar with my family situation? Is he aware of the factors involved in the decision to be made? Is he cognizant of my physical condition and that of my family? Have we good reason to believe that the one advising us is unselfish in the matter? The answers to these questions should enable us to weigh carefully the value of the proffered advice.
God sometimes uses consecrated friends and loved ones in making known His will to us. We must never become so set in our ways, so adamant in our heart, that we cannot listen to others. It would also be foolish to reject counsel merely because it was given in an untactful way or because it cuts across our own thinking. It is wise to take time to pray, and then wait upon the Lord in meditation. We should test the counsel in the light of the Scriptures, providential circumstances, and the leading of the Spirit of God in our own heart.
But we are not to place the responsibility of our duty upon others, and wait for them to tell us what to do. We cannot depend for counsel upon humanity. The Lord will teach us our duty just as willingly as He will teach somebody else. If we come to Him in faith, He will speak His mysteries to us personally. Our hearts will often burn within us as One draws nigh to commune with us as He did with Enoch. Those who decide to do nothing in any line that will displease God, will know, after presenting their case before Him, just what course to pursue. —The Desire of Ages, p. 668.
God does not always tell us immediately what course should be pursued, but if we will be patient, submitting our will to His, we can be certain of His leadings. "And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left" (Isa. 30:21).
A. C. F.
