A very wise mentor once said, “Only ask advice from those who have your best interest in mind.” Now your first reaction to this statement might be, “Duh, that’s not profound, everyone does that already! I never ask advice from my enemies.”

Before you write off this statement allow me to point out some of its deeper meaning. The key lies in knowing who has your best interest in mind.

I’ll make my point with this example:

A high school graduate stands at a crossroads decision. “Where will I go to college?”  He seeks and receives advice from two trusted sources. His parents are very successful doctors from one of the country’s finest medical schools. Desiring that their son follow in their footsteps, they strongly encourage their alma mater.

The graduate’s two best friends in the world are going to a sleepy little college nestled in the Appalachian mountains. Being a respectable school with a regional reputation, the two friends encourage the graduate to keep the tradition going…the three musketeers conquering the world together.

Two trusted sources encouraging two opposing paths. Both the parents and the friends love the graduate. All desire a successful future for him. However, both futures are biased, based on the personal desires of the advisors.

We are faced with these types of decisions throughout life. Especially those ordained to lead. Think of how often a business owner is faced with making major decisions. Is it time to hire and expand? It is time to cut back and downsize? Should I buy that business? Should I sell my business? The list is endless.

It is always a good idea to talk over life changing decisions with your spouse and close family members. It is even a good idea to talk with your peers. However, one must realize that these people always begin the advice with their own biased desires.

That’s why you need a pastor. That’s why business owners need a pastor even if you don’t consider yourself a particularly “religious” person. You need a point of view from someone who seeks your best interest from a Biblical perspective without personal bias.

There is nothing wrong with making an appointment to discuss specific issues and seek answers. But the best answers are the ones found while studying the Bible together. I can’t tell you the number of times a business leader has said they discovered the answer to a perplexing problem right in the middle of the Bible study. I wasn’t even aware that there had been a question. The Bible has answers, period. It is trustworthy.  It is truth.

I pray that you’ll join my study in the Word of God starting in November. We will begin with the topic “The Joy in Responsibility”.

Oh, by the way, my card…

 

 

 

 

 

Blessings,

Pastor Mike