A wise man is strong, yes, a man of knowledge increases strength; for by wise counsel you will wage your own war, and in a multitude of counselors there is safety. —Proverbs 24:5–6
There are times when we are called to stand alone, and there are other times when our standing alone indicates we are someplace we should not be or are doing something to which we are not called. To know the difference requires wise counsel.
One of the most significant difficulties I have encountered in ministry is dealing with those of an unteachable spirit. Those who stand alone for what is wrong are far different from those who stand alone for what is right, but the funny thing is, both are equally passionate.
One of the best indicators of a pastor who has lost his way is the absence of a teachable spirit. So too is this true of the sheep. I am a bull when it comes to the doctrines of the Word of God, but I am also a bull in some things that I should be a sheep at.
Our lives are daily battles with the forces of darkness, and there are times when the enemy attacks with blinding pride and causes us to wander from teachableness. Instead, we are deluded into thinking we have nothing left to learn or can’t learn from a particular person who seems to be less mature or is less educated than we are. But I have learned great things from young people just beginning their walks or ministries with the Lord, and I have also learned from scholars and at times even from scoundrels.
I mentioned sometime back the need to be careful about moving forward with our plans just because we have peace. Peace is not meant to be a fleece; peace is a feeling in that sense. There is much to learn from others, and if you are standing alone for what you think, check to see if you are standing against saints or against sinners. If you’re standing alone against sinners, you’re likely standing alone for truth. If you’re standing alone in your doctrine or beliefs against the rest of the church, you’re likely standing alone in your pride.
A wise man is strong—strong enough to stay teachable.
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