Who are you taking advice from?

• If you are having a toothache would consult an ENT specialist?

• If you want to get into shape would you consult a person who is out of shape?

• If you are planning to save money would consult a compulsive spender?

• If you are looking for encouragement would you consult a gloomy Gus?

• If you want an expert advice would you consult a rookie?

• If you want a relationship advice would consult a person who is not or has never been in a healthy and committed relationship? 

• If you are feeling ambitious about your goals would you consult a lackadaisical person?

• If you want to grow your business would you consult your competitor?

I’m sure your answer to the above questions is a big NO (unless you prefer being naive). Yet every single day we discuss and place our issues in front of anyone who is willing to listen.

When it comes to making personal decisions everyone will have an opinion for you, I mean literally everyone – your friends, cousins, neighbours, brother/sister-in-law, colleagues, religious members, father’s friend or the housemaid. People feel important when they give advice hence they share their knowledge or lack of it and secretly hope you follow their counsel.

Some advices also come from beyond the grave.  I don’t mean to spook you but people do come up with silly dialogues such as “That was his/her last wish for you” or “The soul spoke to me in my dream and has asked me to convey the message to you”.

Some even claim to have heard from God about the “exact” choice you have to make – be it the exact study course to pursue, the exact job to take up or the exact person to marry. It is easy to get fooled when someone tells you “God spoke to me about you”.  We feel good to receive divine messages but use your wisdom when making decisions than regret later and blame God for your foolishness.

Beware of people who use fear instilling persuasive tricks to influence your decision-making because it serves their hidden motive while you become the sheep being taken for slaughter. I may sound a bit harsh but that’s just the plain truth. You have to practice discernment. I say this from personal experience of inviting others to suggest solutions to my problems.  Yet I always do what I think is the best for me.

Think long-term for major life decisions. Will you be satisfied with the decision, you make now, 5 or 10 years down the line? Thinking critically is an important habit that one must practice while solving problems and making decisions. Poor decisions don’t make one a failure. Don’t beat yourself up for past errors. Every person has committed lapses in judgment while making a choice. However, failure to calculate the consequences of your future decisions may cost you dearly. Likewise, following advice from unwise, ignorant or manipulative persons will lead you astray.

It’s good to seek advice but from those who will let you see the consequences of your choices rather than make the choice for you.  Go to the right person. Consult the right people. But remember no one is completely qualified to give you the best advice. Everyone has a different opinion about life. Therefore, always ask God to direct your steps.