June 23

Most people aren’t designed to have abilities that overlap. The craftsman who can create beautiful designs in wood often has difficulty communicating verbally. The woman who excels at designing and sewing clothing for herself and her family may not be the one to whom people turn when they need assistance in getting their finances in better order.

Although we would like to be multi-talented and be able to ‘do it all,’ the reality is that our skills are often compartmentalized. Recognizing our shortcomings is a talent in itself. It keeps us from bungling through tasks we are ill-suited to perform. Another important ability is discerning to whom we should turn for assistance in the areas we require help.

The same is true in the spiritual realm. Just as we would not want someone who can’t add a column of numbers without getting a different total each time to balance our checkbook, neither do we want someone whose judgment is questionable to counsel us in spiritual or emotional matters. How would the Lord counsel us to determine the individual who is qualified to help us when our spirits and our emotions yearn for guidance?

When our hearts require insight in these important areas and we find ourselves at a loss regarding the way we should turn, Proverbs 12:5 counsels us. It says, “The thoughts of the righteous are honest and reliable but the counsel of the wicked is treacherous. We must discern the intent of the heart of those whom we trust, and that can be ascertained by the way they live, by the way they conduct their own affairs. If honor is their trademark, they will help us to make it ours.