"Stupid King"

Ecclesiastes 4:13

To listen to instruction is knowledge but to use knowledge is wisdom. I think from time I was born I never liked being told what to do or how to do it. Even if I made mistakes and created issues from myself I did not want anyone helping me. I would rather do it my way and my way alone. Because I did not want to admit that I had flaws or made an error. I would rather suffer than get advice from anyone. I look back now and say "What an idiot I was back then!" 

Listen we cannot walk through life without taking advice or seeking help. At some point in your life you will need help. To walk around thinking you have all the answers is the greatest mistake you will ever make. The Bible tells us that it is better to a poor and wise youth than an old foolish king who does not take advice (Ecclesiastes 4:13:. In other words it is better be an inexperienced person (youth) who seeks advice and uses it (wise) than an experienced person (king) who purposely neglected any form of aid (foolish).

In other words if you think just because you know what you are doing or have a grasp on the subject you don't need help, you are acting foolish. No matter how many years of experience you have, how many times you have done it, what your degree is in (ouch!), or who you think you are if you fail to take advice, you are acting as a fool. When we shrug of the advice of others we isolate ourselves from them. We indirectly tell them that their way is inferior to our way and it can make people feel belittled by you and worthless. But over time we will gain a reputation as an "old foolish king" even if we are successful we will find ourselves ruling a kingdom that is not known for its wealth but its lack of Christian Character. And eventually you will find yourself alone and even though Facebook says you have 495 friends you will really only have 2... you and yourself.

Look we need each other, we need to take advice from each other, but more importantly we need to talk to each other. A problem is easier to solve and the reward is even better if we work together (Ecclesiastes 4:9). When we go through rocky moments in life and they shake us to the core we sometimes falter and give in to the pressure. But when we have a friend, confidant, and a Christians there to help us get back on our feet how blessed or we but when we think that no one can help us and we are all alone how sad is that (Ecclesiastes 4:10). When need to hear that voice of comfort, that speech of wisdom, or that ray of hope shines in our darkest hour how blessed are we to have a friend that is there for us, but if we constantly push people off we will the feel cold wind of self-isolation (Ecclesiastes 4:11). And when we battle the struggles of this life...struggles of sin, pressure, hurt, pain, etc. it is a blessing to have a friend fight the battle with us to overcome it, but when we push others away we fight alone and we often lose (Ecclesiastes 4:11-12).

So we as Christians need turn to one another from time to time and seek help. We need to look to each other for Godly advice. We are not alone in the plight of life. But open up your mouth and get some help. I have met Christians who force their daughters to have abortions because they don't know how to ask and fear of this sin will ruin their reputation. I have met men who struggle with pornography and homosexuality but they won't seek help because they think they can defeat it on their own. There our Christians in the church who are struggling with addictions, alcohol, and depression but they refuse to seek help. Listen if that is you, your pride will be the cause of your fall (Proverbs 16:18). Getting help is not a sign of weakness but it is a sign of strength and trust.

Do you see yourself as the "wise youth" or "old foolish king"? Open up and let others end and you will learn to enjoy to Joy of fellowship that God has blessed us with (Hebrews 10:24-25). Stay focused, you can do this!

"In His JOY!"