Who is your advisor?

You can put almost any question or concern out on Facebook or Twitter and get a whole plethora of solutions.  What you select may be based on who suggests it, or how it compares with what you already had in mind.  That probably works pretty well for a lot of things.  Where do you get your car fixed?  What do you think of that new restaurant?  Any recommendations for a stylist?

What about moral and spiritual advice?  I love how Solomon answered God: “I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.  Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?”  (see 1st Kings 3:7,9)  Solomon’s request was granted, and he confirmed it when he wrote, “they that seek the Lord understand all things.” (Prov. 28:5)

Jesus proved that statement.  He said “as my father hath taught me, I speak these things.”  He was so clear about God’s consistent loving presence, power, and guidance – and equally clear of his own mission to do only that which God directed – that he could say without a doubt “I do always those things that please him.”  (John 8:28,29)

The Master explained the correlation this way: “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”  (Matt 5:33)  In other words, what can be withheld from you when you are putting God above all else.

Mary Baker Eddy, theologian – preacher – author – and healer, understood (and proved) Deity’s direction to be always reliable when she wrote, “Take no counsel of a mortal, even though it be your best friend; but be guided by God alone.”  (Miscellaneous Writings page 236)

Seeking or giving counsel to one another, even though it be with the best of intentions, is little more than good human advice unless it is based solidly on the Word of God.  Attuning one’s thought to hear that Word is best done in prayer. Yearning as David did when he asked, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me,” strives to set aside personality, pride, fear and opinion, which muffle our spiritual ears.

Solomon’s directive covered all the bases: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”  (Prov 3:5,6)  That’s the best advice, ever!

Melissa Hayden is a Christian Science practitioner in Salem, OR. You can find more information and additional articles at this link.  If you like what you’re reading, click the “add me” button.