Here’s Some Good Advice About Good Advice

© 2014 by Karen Friday

As a matter of fact: spiritual matters, matters of the heart, and getting to the heart of the matter…really matter! 

Recommendations. Suggestions. Opinions. What we need is good solid advice. Where and how we find advice is a good thing to be advised about.

Words of wisdom should come from a knowledgable and reputable source. You wouldn’t dream of asking a lawyer about dental issues or a restaurant owner for advice on remedies for the common cold. Would you?

Mr. Google is not always correct—not always. To believe everything online is to be naive. I have dived into a deeper anxious state over a simple Google search. Google a few health symptoms, you could have anywhere from an allergy to a dreadful disease.

We should always confirm our source. Are these statements or facts verifiable? What is the background of the person or website claiming this advice?

As Christ followers, our most knowledgeable and reputable source is God—especially on spiritual matters and matters of the heart. As a matter of fact, what better source about a world we live in than the creator who made it and who made us?

Two foolproof tips for seeking good advice:

• First, ask the Lord for advice and direction, he is the source of wisdom. “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6 ESV “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” Proverbs 12:15 NIV
• Then seek advice from those spending time with God on a regular basis. “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise.” Proverbs 13:20 ESV “He who walks in the way that is blameless shall minister to me.” Psalm 101:6 ESV 

When I am in God’s presence and his Word, godly advice from the God of the universe is at my disposal. There is a wealth of wisdom in the Scriptures. Advice on earthly and eternal life, relationships, enemies, love, forgiveness, and life-examples of those before us who either took God at his Word…HIS advice, or they went with the opinion of others or their own. Human opinion over God’s advice usually proves disastrous.

The Bible is where good advice becomes God advice by dropping the extra ‘O’ of opinion. Opinion is not a contender when advice needs to be factual and powerful.

God’s Presence + God’s Word = godly advice

On spiritual matters or matters of the heart; why brothers and sisters in Christ are you listening to those who have not been with Christ? If someone does not claim to know God in an intimate way, why would we take their advice on soul-felt matters? We should ask ourselves; what is the source of their advice?

It’s one thing to say we know Christ, it’s another matter completely to spend time with Christ. To be with HIM is to know HIM.

I have feasted on a delicious food at the home of friends—twice baked potatoes. First, the potatoes are baked by the normal baking method. The heart or meat of the potato is scooped out of the skin, mixed with toppings like cheese, sour cream and chives, then replaced inside the skin and baked again. Twice! This technique utilizes the same toppings you can load on top of your potato by baking the potato with the toppings inside—mixed within. They become a part of the potato.

When we have feasted on the meat of God’s Word, we can get to the heart of a matter. Scripture is not just sitting on top of our life and heart, Scripture is a part of our heart. It’s on the inside of us…becoming a part of us…within.

God is always correct on spiritual matters and matters of the heart—always. At the heart of the matter, we should ask him for advice on issues in life, to direct our steps in decisions, and where to find good sound advice. First from him, then seeking a trusted friend or person for advice on a matter…because it matters!

Ask God, then ask those who know God and have been with God.

Good, godly advice. Twice!