I have been impressed with the openness of many in the generations after ours who communicate openly and honestly and are willing to listen to wise counsel. At that earlier age, my parents’ generation influenced me with its value of rugged independence and self-sufficiency—both a strength and a weakness. 

As we entered our 30s, Jan and I began to learn what it meant to live a life with nothing hidden. We became willing to receive wise counsel and correction from each other. We began listening closely to the wisdom in our godly leaders. 

Proverbs 19:20-21 says: “Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” 

Think about that—by the end of your life, you will be known for your wisdom!

Every road leads somewhere, and every soul is searching for a purpose, not just to live for, but a purpose willing to die for. We may have many ideas about God’s plans, but only His purpose – what He designed for each of us –  will succeed. 

We are hearing too many reports of hypocrisy, adultery, and apostasy in seasoned leaders who are not finishing well. The Church can’t just be soft and therapeutic, comfortable and compliant. We are called to be bold, courageous, and watchfully on the alert.

It’s not too late to ask the Lord, the Divine Counselor, to instruct us and to lead us to the right people and resources. To seek advice, willing to learn from and welcome correction and wise counsel grounded in the truth of God’s word. To listen and be inspired by those who have walked through the refining fire and come out on the other side with testimonies of God’s goodness and mercy. 

May we come to our final day on Earth finishing well—continuously growing in our intimate oneness of heart with the Father, and fulfilling the purposes He planned for us.