A Listening Spirit

Seeking advice is an important, yet difficult, habit to cultivate. It requires humility and admitting that we might be wrong. We need to admit that we don’t have all the answers and that we need help.

We often actively approach people we respect for advice. But we can also approach people we normally would not seek out, those we might not feel have anything important to say, those who have not helped us in the past, or even people we find irritating or spiritually immature – even novices (Psalm 8:2). Sometimes observations and opinions are given without our consent or request.

As the Bible tells us, there is victory “in abundance of counselors” and listening to the perspective of many people. It’s possible to gain some important insights from anyone, regardless of their background or our past relationships, even if they’re not 100% correct.

This process also requires sensitivity and discernment. It is impractical and foolish to accept the advice of everyone. We need to develop the right attitude and not be proud or self-centered but humble, willing to listen. In that spirit, we become more sensitive to God’s leading, correction, and guidance.

We always must be careful to check every opinion and recommendation against the Bible to be sure our decisions are consistent with the Word. We need to pray about every situation and be sensitive to the Spirit and His leading.