Not long ago I was asked my opinion of something and I gave it. Unfortunately this person didn’t really want it, rather he simply wanted an affirmation of his own position, which was not entirely what was forthcoming from me.
I suppose my comments were interpreted by him as being critical, but they were rendered in an honest, diplomatic, and constructive manner, rather than a destructive one. And it was done strictly in an effort to help him improve a project on which he had worked very hard. Regardless, the comments were not well received and I ended up wishing I’d never been asked. Unfortunately many people do not want to hear anything other than a few cheers and I’m always honest to a fault when asked my opinion.
I don’t offer “hip hip hoorays” unless I think they are truly warranted, but I do offer praise where I feel it genuinely merits it and try my utmost to honestly look for areas of improvement in order to help make things better. Many friends merely offer the hoorays, but are they really true “friends” if all they do is disingenuously stroke egos?
I think not.
Personally I don’t care for the kudos as much as suggestions for improvement and I value the heartfelt opinions of those whom I respect. I feel that two heads are nearly always better than one, and three are better yet. Individuals do not win Super Bowls; teams do. At Honey Lake we constantly emphasize teamwork versus marching alone to one’s own drumbeat.
The same is true in trying to resist satan. He often attacks us when we are alone as he did Eve in the Garden of Eden and Jesus when He was by Himself in the wilderness for forty days. Think about why he does it in this manner. I think it is because he knows we are more vulnerable when all alone.
Old King Solomon gave some solid advice in Eccl 4:12: A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. It seems it might be wise to find friends who care for you and are willing to help even when it mandates candid appraisal.
I know someone who does not want help from anyone. He would rather suffer mightily, rather than ask someone for help. He has told me numerous times that he does not want any friends. He is a devout person though, and I reminded him that he goes contrary to the Bible and thus could never hope to succeed to his full capacity if he deliberately chooses a path apart from its truths (such as those regarding friendships or lack therof).
Unions of Christians can be a mighty force in battling our way through this fallen world. Team members encourage each other and offer sage advice to their teammates. The verse below intimates that prosperity is not always determined by riches and power, but by spiritual knowledge and wisdom derived from valuing and utilizing counsel from one another.
If you are fortunate enough to have some spiritual teammates who offer Godly counsel, take it and increase. If you don’t have such friends then make some… Who knows it just might keep your cord from snapping…
Eccl 4:13
It is better to be a poor but wise youth than an old and foolish king who refuses all advice.