Two-minute read.
“That’s what faith is, doing it afraid,” said Claire. Spending the day with my wise friend, I shared one of my struggles with her. Immediately, she imparted wisdom to me, helping me find clarity and conviction over the situation. A spiritual mentor to me, Claire offers advice full of beauty and value that enriches my life, helping me grow more like Christ.
Receiving timely advice has memorable and immense value. In college, when I tried to talk my way out of a failing grade, I will never forget the wisdom of my calculus professor’s words:
“Sometimes you need a kick in the pants, and other times you need a pat on the shoulder. Right now, you need a kick in the pants.”
Instead of giving me a pass on my poor grade, he gave me a kick in the pants by making me suffer the consequences of skipping class and not studying. I took the class over, didn’t make the same mistake again and learned more than just calculus from that professor.
Over three decades later, I still remember the lesson from that experience. And I’ve repeated my professor’s advice to others when they’ve needed to hear it. Timely advice never gets old, consistently producing good fruit that multiplies over time.
Develop relationships with wise people who will give you good advice. Become intentional about where you seek counsel. Fill your basket with golden apples as you receive timely advice from wise people. Words fitly spoken bring life to the receiver, have lasting value, and lead us on the path of abundant living. Thoughtful and timely communication has an immense impact, comforting, caring, and encouraging those who hear it.
Journal Question:
When did you receive timely advice that changed your life?
How can you share timely advice with someone today?
In what ways has biblical wisdom given you good advice?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for giving us biblical wisdom to guide our days, and also for placing wise people in our lives who give us timely advice. Please help us develop life-giving relationships with Your children that encourage and enrich our lives.
IJNIP. Amen
