Heeding Good Advice
No surprise, there was just no pleasing everyone.
Reference: But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship. (Acts 27:11 NIV)
Explore: When I got married, everyone had a piece of advice for me. What to wear, where to get flowers, how many guests was acceptable, which season to get married in… The list went on and on.
And it was always interesting as to who was giving the advice. I even had a single friend send me email suggestions of which reception venue was the best.
For a while I listened to everyone’s advice. I tried to please everyone and make it perfect for them. But I would end up going round and round in circles. If I chose one bridesmaid dress colour to please one of the girls, the other one didn’t like it.
No surprise, there was just no pleasing everyone.
In the end, I listened to everyone’s advice but I made my own decisions. I didn’t please everyone but I had the best wedding I could ever have had.
Application: When Paul was travelling in a boat they hit some bad weather. The centurion had to decide whether to stay on land or continue by boat. He listened to the pilot and owner of the ship instead of heeding Paul’s warning.
In fairness to the centurion, I probably would have done the same thing. These were experts of the seas and Paul was just a prisoner. And yet, Paul proved them wrong.
Did he receive divine intervention or was he just being logical? It doesn’t say, but it does make us think twice as to whom we should seek advice from. Sometimes it’s not the most obvious person who gives the best advice.
It’s great to receive wisdom from others, but in the end it is up to us to make the final decision for our lives. Sure, listen to what others have to say, but look around you as well. You may find the answer is already staring you in the face.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for wise friends and confidants. May we draw on all we know of You to make the best decisions. Amen.
What process do you go through when you have to make a tough decision?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.