Who Do You Turn To?

Sometimes we encounter gray seasons or moments on our journey, when our vision and/or direction aren't as pristine and concise as we would like. We ponder what our next moves should be.

Questions may flood our minds in various situations and circumstances, like:
"Should I leave or stay?"
"Which way should I go?"
"Is this right or wrong?"
"How long will this last?"

These questions can cross the verticals of life like career, relationships, school, church and etc.

Sometimes we turn to others for counsel, wisdom and insight. That is a wise and prudent thing to do, but be discerning from whom you receive counsel. People's judgement is based off of their limited knowledge and experiences. That's why the Bible advocates to a get a multitude of counsel. Sometimes people become full of scorn and cyncism, and their advice is reeking with the poisons of ignorance, intolerance, unforgiveness, resentment, bitterness, malice, prejudice and stoicism.

When considering who are qualified candidates to give you an extra set of eyes while you travel through the foggy areas of life, make sure they are principle-centered people. Principle-centered people most often won't be spellbound by the "norm du jour"- whatever the popular opinion or practice of the day/moment is.

Also no one person but God is qualified to give you good and fitting counsel in area minuet facet of your life. Nonetheless, a lot of people know of God but are not familiar with his voice, leading or character, so that leaves a vast amount of people having to rely on other mortal flawed beings, like themselves.

When seeking advice, catalog the people in your life by their proven areas of expertise. Sometimes this may good or bad areas. Would you go to a destitute friend with financial stewardship questions? You can go to a broke friend to find out what not to do and a wealthy friend, to find out what to do.

A simple rule, from whomever you are receiving advice, ask yourself, "Would I change places with this person?" Do they have something you want or need. In the Bible, Elisha wanted a double portion of Elijah's annointing. He didn't want his cowardice or melancholy disposition. He saw that which was of God, and that one thing he sought diligently after.

When you want parenting advice go to someone whom you respect their parenting style and the fruit of their labor--their children. When I consider asking someone for advice concerning my children, I look at their children. The bottomline, their children are the by-products of their thoughts and practices. I say to myself, "Do I want my children to be like theirs?" This actually limits the qualified people I would seek after for parenting advice.

When I want financial advice, I look at those in my life who have a proven track record of financial prudence and stewardship. This is not to stay people won't hit rock bottom sometimes but is that their pattern? I have had my credit score hit near zero and now almost 800. It's not where you fall, it's where you stay in life. I listen to experts and friends and ultimately God's spirit on the inside of me. Sometimes His spirit will take you totally opposite of what everyone else is telling you.

In dense foggy areas of life, we must be discerning of whom we're listening to, because in the fog could be an iceberg right in front of us or an avalanche above us. Each step we take while navigating in darkness is crucial.