A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength; for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers. Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the assembly at the gate he has nothing to say. - Proverbs 24:5-7

Today we’re told we become who we read; Jesus said we become who we listen to.

In Jesus’ day books didn’t exist as we have them today. Learning was done by listening and memorizing what was heard. Today, we have virtually unlimited ways to receive information, including the newest version of the Kindle (which I would graciously receive if offered).

Most people seem to be on information overload; they’re overwhelmed and have decided to choose an “information lite” lifestyle. Even though it’s understandable, the results are potentially devastating. The person may think they’re wise but in reality they might be like the fool at the city gate; they have nothing of real substance to say. It all depends on who they’ve chosen to listen to, who they’re memorizing, and what world view they’re developing from it all.

Listen to the wisdom of Isaiah:

To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn. - Isaiah 8:20

Most young people get their news from the monologues of Leno, Letterman and the ramblings of Jon Stewart. A recent large survey of Christian youth was revealing ( scary, actually). Even though the youth were professed Christians they couldn’t explain anything about their faith in a cogent manner.

The media, academia and the administration have no trouble telling us who is wise and who’s a fool. Doubt them (or challenge them) and you’re thrown to the dung heap. For example:

• Certain respected cable news programs recently used vulgar, profane terms to denigrate citizens exercising their first amendment rights.
• Homeschoolers are treated with contempt, even classified as having psychological problems,as they selflessly teach their own children, who consistently score higher than the students of the state.
• The present administration is strident in its assessment of us common folk, basically telling us that if we don’t look and act like them we’re potential terrorists.
• The recent tea parties were said to be “unhealthy” by the president’s spokesman.
• Continued attempts to reveal the constitutionally mandated truth about the president’s birth are cast aside as “garbage”, and that’s a direct quote from his people.

Strangely, within the church there’s prejudice against gaining wisdom from anyone other than those anointed by Christian media or Christian “higher learning”. Challenge the teachings of any of them and you’re looked upon as misguided, unspiritual, even stupid. Say anything (and I mean anything) about the teachings of Rick Warren or Joel Osteen and you’re looked upon as a pariah. When I spoke up about Todd Bentley (before his ministry fell apart) I was told I was legalistic. (Todd recently divorced his wife, married a staff member, and is forming another ministry.)

Even though I like Sean Hannity I warned people that he was promoting Ekhart Tolle, one of Oprah’s recent anointed ones, and a couple of people left our church. Beth Moore promotes Richard Foster and Christians go, “Who?”.

And, OMg, Mylie Cyrus (aka Hannah Montana) instructs the courageous Miss California that gays deserve to be happy.

As a Christian your apostle is Jesus Christ and your mentor is the Holy Spirit. It takes courage to listen to, follow, and obey the Lord Jesus Christ. You are to have no other gods.

Jesus said:

The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. - John 6:63

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. - John 10:27

His Father said:

"This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!" - John 9:7

We live in dangerous times, both to soul and property, and there’s two ways to deal with them: you can listen to the world or you can listen to God. You can be educated by the Spirit or trust what the world is telling you. You can listen to or read the latest Christian mega-author or you can study the Scriptures.

May I recommend you read the Bible from cover to cover at least once before you read anyone else? How will you discern truth from lies if you don’t read and study the Scriptures? How will you know your conclusions are trustworthy if they’re not tested?

Are you your own disciple? The world knows that a person who represents himself in court is a fool and a doctor who tries to heal himself does so at his peril. A general who goes to war without good advisors is doomed to defeat. The apostle Paul said that even if his own conscience was clear that didn’t make him innocent.

Do you see the pattern here? Even the world knows that every one of us needs counsel. You don’t need people telling you what to do, you need trusted, godly advisors who will speak the truth into your life and let you make up our own mind. After all, you are the only one responsible for your actions.

It is up to you to apply yourself to the study of the Scriptures and seek godly counsel for help. The Holy Spirit should be your constant Companion and only godly people who love you enough to tell you the truth should be your sounding boards.

I appeal to you with everything in me: study the Word of God, apply what you learn, listen to the godly people who love you and stick as close as ever to Jesus Christ.

Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. - Revelation 22:12-14