Podcast: Play in new window | Download (6.7MB) | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

How are we as Christians view Instruction?

When giving instructions, you often see the imperative form in instruction manuals or when someone tells you how to do something.

Often there is  “sequencing” words to show the steps in the process. Like, “firstly”, “secondly” and “finally”.

Many times we are not sure if we are given appropriate instruction or it is not clearly articulated.  This leads to doubt, frustration, anger or the lack of a successful outcome.

So what should be our source of how we give accept and experience the best godly outcome for the instruction we experience?  This can be viewed in 3 simple ways.

1. Listening
2. Accepting
3. Gaining

Let’s dive deeper into these areas :

The first area in instruction is Listening:

Listening is something we are not taught to do, but it is so important in expanding knowledge capacity and having successful conversations.

Proverbs 19:20

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.”

This wisdom helps us strengthen and uncover areas of misunderstanding allowing us to improve relationships now and in the future.

Ask yourself:

• Do you listen more than you talk?
• Are you allowing yourself to take time to understand instruction in preparation for the future?

The second area of instruction is Accepting:

There is much instruction in our world but how do we know it is Godly instruction?

 1 John 4:1

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

Jeremiah 33:3 

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”

God give dignifies us with free, the power to make decisions of our own. This free will must be managed by instruction given to us by God.

Ephesians 6:14

“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.”

This means we are protected by truth and righteousness.  And it also means that we have to use Jesus teaching as our guide and reference to acceptance of good instruction.

Ask yourself:

• Are you evaluating the source to make sure it aligns with my Godly principles?
• Are you asking God to be your guide in the instruction you are receiving?
• How can I do this more often in my daily life?

 The last area of instruction is Gaining

A Harvard business review article once wrote that seeking advice is central to effective leadership and decision making. And that receiving advice is often seen as the passive consumption of wisdom. When the exchange is done on both sides both benefit.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”

Proverbs 4:13

“Keep hold of instruction, do not let go, guard her, for she is your life.”

Ask yourself:

• Are you taking and seeking the advice of other to gain better wisdom?
• Do you hold on and value the instruction you are getting?
• How are you going to apply the three areas of listening, accepting, and gaining in your life moving forward?

Estella & Lauren