Getting and receiving wise counsel

One of the steps in finding God's will for our lives is seeking out wise counsel. Having "coaches" or "mentors" in our lives who give us godly direction and guidance.

Solomon writes, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." (Proverbs 15:22)

The question is: Who do you go to for advice?

Let me give you some suggestions.

Seek advice from those who have been there before, in the specific area that you are seeking counsel.

I have friends whose financial advice I will gladly receive, but whose parenting advice I avoid. It depends on what they know, on what they have demonstrated in their personal lives.

Do you want to learn how to endure adversity? Don't ask someone who has had an easy life. Ask the one who has weathered the storms.

Seek advice from those who care and has your best interests in mind.

John Ray said, "It is a foolish sheep that makes the wolf his counselor."

This is why advice from a salesman always involves purchasing his product. Make sure you listen to those who have your best interests in heart, not theirs.

Be willing to hear what you don't want to hear.

And be willing to do what you don't want to do.

The temptation is to see advice from those who will say what you want them to say.

We all need people in our lives who will speak truth (in love, truth that which initially might be difficult to hear, but for the long term is what we need.

Good advice will challenge us to rethink our approach and fine tune our strategy. Solomon said, "The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice." (Proverbs 12:15)

Getting advice is not about allowing others to make decisions for you. Ultimately, the decision is up to you. You're the one who must live the consequences -- all the more reason to make sure going in that you've heard from the best and are committed to following their example.