Turn on the TV, tune in the radio, or flip through a newspaper or magazine, and you’ll be assaulted by a slew of experts telling you how to live and how to maximize that life. The problem is they are often wrong and give direction and advice leading down a slippery slope to ruin. This is not to say they are wrong always; some advice and leadership is Godly and wise. But much more is worldly and foolish.
A quote from Pastor Steve Fender posted on my office whiteboard reads, “Advice given by people that offer it from intellect and opinion, as opposed to experience and accomplishment, is usually best to be carefully scrutinized and normally dismissed.” Logic is a terrific tool, but like any tool, it only works when applied in the appropriate circumstance and in the right way. Screwdrivers and hammers are generally not interchangeable. The problem with applied logic in many cases is simply the oversight that humans are often not logical creatures. In addition to intellect, we are also led by emotion and spirit, good and evil.
God knows our total makeup—after all, He created us—and chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. (1Co 1:27-29 ESV).
There are many experts, especially in times of crisis and despair, that choose narcissistically to spout opinions and exert leadership only to build personal power and stroke their own egos. Do not be fooled. Follow instead the leadership of scripture and the Holy Spirit along the path leading to true life with abundance.
Lord, help us to see only truth with our spiritual eyes and discern the folly about which you warn us. Lead us along your righteous path. Guard that we do not stray. Amen.