Last updated on October 4th, 2024 at 05:07 am
“Take advice, but not orders. Seek other people’s advice, but don’t take orders, and don’t take 100% of anyone’s advice. Make sure every decision you make is a product of your conclusion. Be a student, not a disciple.” – Jim Rohn
These words by Jim Rohn hold profound wisdom. Life is a classroom, and each of us is a student. The key is not to blindly follow others but to learn from them and make informed decisions that align with your values and beliefs. I firmly believe in the importance of being a student of life. That’s why in this post, I won’t ask you to follow everything I say or write on blindly. Instead, I encourage you to think critically, challenge what you read, and come to your own conclusions. Be a student of life, not just a follower.
Ponder Before You Act
The Bible offers a powerful example of this in Acts 17:11, which speaks of the Berean Jews:
"Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true."
The Bereans didn’t take Paul’s teachings at face value. They examined the Scriptures for themselves, ensuring that what he said aligned with the truth. They were eager learners, but they verified the knowledge before accepting it. Similarly, I encourage you to study everything—whether it’s from me, your church, or any other source—and match it against the ultimate standard: the Word of God.
Test Everything, Hold On to What’s True
Just as Acts encourages us to seek knowledge, 1 John 4:1 urges us to test the spirits:
"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."
It’s essential to test everything you hear or read. False prophets and misguided information abound, even within Christian circles. Whether it’s your spiritual growth or worldly advice, be vigilant and ensure that every piece of knowledge you absorb aligns with God’s truth. We are all students on this journey, seeking to understand more of what’s right and true. But the final authority is always God’s Word.
The Role of Critical Thinking in Faith
Coming from a technical background, I often think in terms of conditional statements—”if-then” logic. Faith, in many ways, operates similarly. If you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, then you’ll be transformed and walk in a new life. But the decision to accept Christ should come from a genuine, personal conviction, not from external pressure.
I want to challenge you to stop, reflect, and make decisions that stem from a sincere belief in God’s Word. As Dale Carnegie said, “A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.” Forcing someone to believe something doesn’t lead to real transformation. Genuine faith comes from the heart, not just from following rules or teachings mindlessly. So, if you’re reading this, I encourage you to engage with the material critically. Don’t just read the words—think about them, pray over them, and seek God’s guidance.
Don’t Take My Word for It—Verify with the Bible
While I write these blog posts to inspire and challenge you, they are not the ultimate standard. The Bible is. That’s why I encourage you to study the Scriptures for yourself. As a Christian, I acknowledge that I am not perfect, and my writings are not flawless. But I hope they point you toward the ultimate truth found in God’s Word.
Jesus said in John 17:17, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” The Word of God is where we find true knowledge and wisdom for life. So, be diligent in your studies. Read, pray, and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth to you. You will grow in knowledge, faith, and wisdom as you pursue God’s Word.
The Next Steps for New Believers
If you’ve recently accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, the next step is to dive into the Word. Find a Bible-believing church and get connected. Start studying the Bible to verify what you hear and read. As you grow in your faith, you will begin to discern the truth from falsehood more clearly.
James 1:5 reminds us that wisdom is available to anyone who asks for it:
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
God is willing to impart wisdom to anyone who seeks it. You don’t need to have all the answers right away. As you walk with Christ, He will guide you and give you the understanding you need for every step of the journey.
Conclusion: Are You On the Right Track?
At the end of the day, we are all students of life, and the lessons we learn shape our journey. The goal is not to follow blindly but to seek, understand, and grow. Whether it’s wisdom from Scripture or advice from mentors, always test it, think critically, and come to your own conclusions with God’s guidance.
We are all on this journey together, seeking truth and growth. But the real question is: Are you on the right track? Have you taken the time to study the Word, reflect on it, and let it guide your path?
If you’re ready to take the next step and deepen your walk with Christ, pray and seek God’s wisdom. He promises to guide you as you trust in Him.
