“Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14 NKJV).
A few months ago, I completed a beginner sewing class at a local vocational center. I’ve wanted to make my own clothing for a long time however my instructor advised against it. “Why would you want to do that?” she asked. “When it is easier and cheaper to buy a shirt from a store!” She had a point but with that attitude why sew at all? So I bought a digital pattern, printed it out, taped it together, and voilà, ready to sew! I measured, cut out fabric, followed directions (or so I thought), and sewed it up. When all was said and done the final product turned out better than I thought it would. It also ended up a size too small! I tried it on and indeed the arm holes were too tight and the bottom of the shirt almost exposed my belly button! What happened?! I reread the instructions and figured out where I went wrong. If I had been a seasoned seamstress, I doubt I would have made those mistakes but I took my tiny shirt in stride, laughed about it, and decided to try again another time.
“So Philip ran to [the Ethiopian eunuch], and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ And he said, ‘How can I, unless someone guides me?’” (Acts 8:30-31a NKJV). Even when we can read the instructions ourselves, we often are greatly benefited by help from others who have travelled the same road before us. When I told my mom about the shirt escapade she inquired, “Why didn’t you ask me for help?” I thought I could do it on my own, even when I didn’t quite understand all the instructions. Instead of seeking advice, I plowed forward and finished with a shirt too small for me to wear. While studying scripture on our own is important, the apostle Paul encourages us to listen to godly teachers to assist our growth in understanding. Because if we study only on our own we may end up staying in the milk of the gospel. “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14 NKJV). Therefore let us “not forsak[e] the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).
Through discussion and careful study, what we think we know might be confirmed or challenged. Sometimes the shirt fits and sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes we read the pattern correctly, and sometimes we need some help to understand it. If we humble ourselves before God and others, then we can all grow together into the likeness of Christ.