Something happens to us when we consult one another in Christian community. In sharing our thoughts with others, surprising insights often emerge—opening our eyes to what we have not seen and our ears to what we have not heard.
This can transform and liberate us beyond our own narrow expectations. Both the one experiencing a call and those helping that person may express God’s wisdom and grace in the process. “I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding” (Jer.3:15).
Although God calls each of us personally, as individuals we see only partially. Individual perception, reasoning, and understanding are always limited. Even a person who feels absolutely certain that a specific revelation comes from God may be mistaken as to how it is to be applied.
Because God often reveals part of the picture to one person and another part to another person, it is prudent to consult one another to discern God’s counsel, guidance, and direction, even if there is no apparent reason to do so.
While circumstances sometimes require us to act without consulting others, the danger of arrogance and error in proceeding on our own can be great.
This is an excerpt from a book Listening Hearts by Suzanne G. Farnham. If you would like to buy this book please click here.