Where does your wisdom come from? Who do you allow into that sacred place of helping you make decisions? Do you understand God’s voice and allow him to guide you?

Sometimes, when his voice is unclear or I am foggy on what I am hearing, I wait before I move. I also ask people I trust. I have a select few people who I let speak into my life. You know you have your sacred few when they aren’t always just telling you what you want to hear–they push back, but for your good. They offer advice and challenge you to move forward, yet at the same time you know they are 100% FOR YOU, and not just you… they are champions of all people–even your “enemies.” Hopefully your few will help you to live a life in peace with everyone – not allowing you to be a complete ass to your enemies.

Often times we rely on the wisdom that comes from a leader–maybe a boss or a pastor. And while their insight might be helpful and wise, we should still check in with God for ourselves. I know, because My husband and I led a church together and I can assure you we were not perfect and did not always hear from the Lord absolutely precisely, but some people would take our words as gold and have no other points of reference in their process. That is a lot of power to give someone. Power that I see abused on the regular within our churches… and by certain leaders… and it should be called out.

The good thing is that it doesn’t have to be mysterious. God gives us guidelines for deciphering if its good wisdom or if it might be coming from a place of blindness or self-protection. God says (in James 3:17) “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure: then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” 

So, if the wisdom/guidance/counsel you received causes division, doesn’t end in peace and good fruit, I would pump the brakes… pause and reflect. Take power back. Don’t follow the leader blindly… You get to have a relationship with your heavenly Father who wants to guide you and walk and talk with you…. Directly.