[Devoted1]

"Expert Advice From Above"
By: Zach Wood
Proverbs 4:1
Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.


Through many years of childhood, into adolescence and even into college life, I heard my dad use a phrase that has stuck with me. There were many times, after explaining a situation that I had a choice whether to be involved in or not, he would simply say, "Just leave it alone". There was no harsh tone, but only the loving sound of a father's voice giving warning to possible danger ahead. There were times I heeded that advice, left the situation alone and was fine. However, there were also some times when I "dug" way too deep, got myself in a hole, and caused more problems than I realized. Even though I didn't always agree with the advice my father gave, I was appreciative of the fact that he cared enough to show concern for dangers ahead.

Even now, as an adult, I still need the advice, "Just leave it alone" sometimes. I know that my Heavenly Father gives me instructions to stay away and leave alone possible circumstances that may have hazardous results to my life, marriage, family or friendships. There are situations in which I think I have pretty good insight and feel that I can get involved and set things straight. I kick my mouth into gear without first consulting the expert advice giver......God. My heart may say, "Wait...you need to leave this alone", but I don't listen. I jump into conversations and offer advice when it's not asked for.

We all get ourselves into situations that are not ours to mess with, don't we? Only later, do we realize we should have listened to the advice of not getting involved. God wants us to focus on Him and come to Him with our concerns and desires. It's helpful to listen to our Father when He tells us "Just leave it alone my child....this is not for you to get involved with." How many times has God told you this lately? Have you heeded His warning and kept your mouth shut? Or did you open it only to find a generous serving of shoe leather crammed in?

So, the solution is quite simple. We can either choose to adhere to our Father's instructions when He tells us, "Just leave it alone". Or, we can choose to do things our own way, ignoring the advice and getting our mouths and actions in serious trouble. We all need to learn better how to follow His instructions. Not just thinking before we get involved, but also reading His Word and learning how to become wiser and listening better for His still small voice. He speaks to our hearts and we need to listen to expert advice from above.