Counsels on Church Life

Counsel #6 — Seek Experienced Input

Picture: Counsel #6 — Seek Experienced Input CCL 85.1

Jesus only sent out His disciples after they had seen Him serve and minister to others. This helped the disciples understand what their mission would entail. While not everyone can talk to someone who has served as a volunteer missionary, doing so is a good idea. Why? Because they will be able to offer unique advice and insight that might not be obvious. They’ve already been there. They know what it is like from personal experience. Jesus didn’t expect His disciples to go out without offering them insight. He does not expect anyone today to go to the mission field without first seeking advice if it is available.^[113] CCL 85.2

“He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” Proverbs 13:20 CCL 85.3

“Men… who are just gaining their experience, need to move carefully and in humility of mind; for often they are not able to judge wisely. When Elder Reaser was placed in a position of responsibility, he did not see his need to learn all that he could from the experience of others…. At the first assuming of his new responsibilities, Elder Reaser should have considered that these persons understood the situation better than he did. By his officious attitude, he has made the work much more perplexing than it otherwise would have been.” Ellen White in Letters and Manuscripts, vol. 21, Letter 349, 1906, par. 16 CCL 85.4

Reflect: Do you know anyone who has served as a volunteer missionary? Who can you talk to for advice and insight?^[114] CCL 85.5