For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.
— Proverbs 11:14
A severe rash prompted a man from a rural area to come to town to be examined by a local doctor. After the usual history taking followed by a series of tests, the physician advised the patient that he would have to get rid of the dog that was evidently causing the allergic reaction. As the man was preparing to leave the office, the doctor asked him out of curiosity if he planned to sell the animal or give it away.
“Neither one,” the patient replied. “I’m going to get me a second opinion. It’s a lot easier to find a doctor than a good bird dog!”
It happens all the time, doesn’t it? People go around asking person after person for advice until they hear the opinion that matches theirs. But the reality is that we are the worst judges of our own actions because our opinions of ourselves will always be more favorable than reality.
That’s why throughout Scripture you’ll find verses like today’s that stress the need to surround yourself with a biblical community who will encourage you with the truth even when you may not want to hear it!
The Christian life was never meant to be lived alone. There are no “Lone Rangers” of the Christian faith. So if you don’t have a community of others who know you and will help you grow in Christ, join a church Bible study or form a small group that meets weekly. The best kind of spiritual growth you’ll ever experience will come when you have others who’ll give you the “second opinion” you really need!
Prayer Challenge
Pray and ask God to give you a community of believers who will help you grow in your walk with Christ by encouraging you and giving you the “second opinions” you need!