At times we can reject or ignore advice and wisdom that might actually help us. Sometimes it’s to protect our ego against a painful truth. But we need to learn to accept it with grace. When we hold a fixed opinion about something, we can sometimes be dismissive towards other people's different opinions. We might get frustrated that they can't see things the way we do. And not only do we hurt them, we hurt ourselves. ‘Better a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who will be admonished no more’ (Ecclesiastes 4:13 NKJV).

We all have our own areas of expertise. But we also have areas where we need advice. And even when we know a lot about something, it doesn't hurt to get a different perspective on it. The day we stop listening is the day we stop growing. Even if what we learn is negative or a lesson in what not to do, it’s still valuable information that can protect and enrich us.

Dr John Maxwell puts it in a workplace context, saying: ‘What is the one thing – more than any other – that will determine the growth of an organisation? The growth of the people in the organisation. And what determines the people’s growth? The growth of the leader! As long as people are following you, they will be able to go only as far as you go. If you’re not growing, they won’t be growing – either that, or they will go somewhere else where they can grow.’ If we want to grow, we need to have the right attitude, listen well and with discernment, be open to new ideas and perspectives, and be prepared to at least consider fair criticism and advice. And most importantly, accept God's wisdom about every situation.

What Now?

What subject or activity do you feel you know a lot about? Have a look online for different opinions and perspectives on it – for each new opinion or way of doing things that you come across, evaluate what you can learn from it.