I once heard someone say ” If you are the wisest man in the room, you are in the wrong room.”
This week has been one where I have had to silence my mind and listen to the counsel of other people. I have had numerous people walk up to me and say, when you’re in the ministry you must do ( fill in blank). You must remember (fill in blank). You will become (fill in blank). You will feel (fill in blank). You will find ( fill in blank) I have been approached about my flaws, insecurities, encouraged in my strengths, encouraged in my weaknesses. At some points this week I almost felt like I was inhuman and unwise. But, I listened. I have felt mocked and I have been blessed. I retained the information I received as a tool to grow in one direction or another. I am just glad at the end of the day I am just a witness not a savior. I have to remind myself of this as people approach me with information. Where do boundaries get crossed in people sharing opinions? I am not sure yet. A verse came to mind as I contemplated this week.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your body
And refreshment to your bones.”
Proverbs 3:5-8
Healing to my body and refreshment to my bones… Oh the sounds of such a moment of healing is something I wish to have right now. The peace in this verse is comforting. We all have opinions for each other and things we think we are self righteously wise about. I thank God for his grace in this because my desire for wisdom and knowledge conducts most of my moves in life. This can be a bad thing as soon as my focus becomes ignorant. I want to learn from people however more than learning from people I want to learn from Love himself. I want the God who created me to teach me things and wonders of this world. For those who do not believe in God I am sure this sounds like a different language to you. I would love to share more in detail with those from my college town who do not understand this post and what it is about.
In the mean time I pray God softens my heart to teach and mold it. Great wisdom came to mind just now and it is guard your heart for it is the well spring of life. Meaning ( to me) that even as advice is offered to guard my heart. All advice can be learned from, yet, not all advice dwelt on. Key word: Balance. Key action: prayer. Key focus: God.
