Joel M Bradshaw

23Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.–Proverbs 23

TRUTH BUYERS: Learn for the sake of growth. Seek the things they need in order to grow and change. Freely submit to the wise instruction, counsel of others. Never hold the perspective that they are the master or have mastered something. Always the learner. Are ok with others challenging their intellect, opinions, or teaching. Eager to learn from others and their experiences. Invest their time, treasure, and talents into making this happen.

TRUTH SELLERS: Learn for the sake of increasing their influence. Seeking the things they think they need in order to change others. Resist submitting to wise instruction unless it comes from a chosen, safe, few. Looks forward to when they are a master and can rest in the title or achievement. Always the teacher. Always having to lead by being up front and displaying. Rarely ok with others challenging them. Eager to share what they have learned. Invest time, treasure, and talents into making this happen.

I needed this proverb as a reminder. Some of you reading my daily devos see me as a seller. As a pastor who both teaches and counsels, this BUY/SELL issue is always at the forefront of my heart. I am also someone that people go to for knowledge or answers.

And so I need the reminder to be a buyer. I need to maintain thisI this perspective even as I teach, counsel, and blog. That’s the challenge. This is why everything in my life revolves around accountability. I regularly update wiser pastors about my family life and personal life and submit to their counsel. I also submit ministry decisions to the direction of the individuals and teams that God has placed over me to shepherd me.

I don’t know if you struggle with this proverb. But, if you do struggle, make sure that you are struggling, not merely accepting. Join me in buying that truth. I always have work to do in this area, but I am on the right path.–JMB