One blog I read recently pondered the question: How do you know whether or not you should take advice you’re given?
Writing particularly for college students, she writes,
"Here are some questions to ponder:
- Is this a person an authority on the subject? How so?
- Does this person know enough about you and the situation to provide appropriate advice?
- Has this person ever been in the same situation? What did they decide? Why?
- What’s your first reaction to the advice? If your reaction is strong one way or the other, go with your gut reaction.
- Is the advice something you’ve considered before? If not, why not? If so, do you agree?
- What do you like about the advice? What do you dislike about the advice?
- Do you know anyone else who has taken this advice before? What was their result?
Other lessons learned:
- Get a second opinion. (And, possibly a lot more opinions, if needed)
- Go with your gut.
- Give a clear explanation of the situation. (For instance, Maybe I forgot to mention how rewarding I was finding college.)
- Don’t sound too lost.
- Ask for specific advice,
not general. Instead of asking: “What should I do?” Try “I think I want
to major in something that involves writing, what majors involve a lot
of writing?” Or, “I’ve been looking into two different majors, in your
opinion, which of these translates into a better a job market?” - Be particularly wary of unsolicited advice. We all love to dish it out, but we have to do what’s right for us."
Not bad. I might add, "Is the advice I’m receiving reflect the values of Christ?"
Here is one of the best from Scripture:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." – Proverbs 3:5-6
It’s easier to seek advice from those around us. We should. But, we should always remember that the Cross is our ultimate guide for decision-making. The world is full of bad advice, but the Scriptures full of the good.