Who advises you? (2)

A good adviser does three things: they observe you, instruct you, and motivate you. At first, the thought of having someone evaluate you may be intimidating. But think about it; people are watching you anyway, so why not have a good adviser among the crowd? Here is a list of some areas in which you might consider inviting an adviser to evaluate you. These things are not options, they’re essentials: spiritual development, personal discipline, family relationships, decision making, handling finances, conflict resolution, picking the right people, breaking bad habits and establishing good ones, goal setting, and planning for the future. If you’re serious about succeeding, look for an environment where you will be mentored, not just paid. Initially, what you learn is more important than what you earn, because what you learn early determines what you earn later. What you don’t know can hurt you and put a lid on your potential. Opening doors of evaluation is something you owe to yourself and those who depend on you. And don’t let it stop with you. Pass on what you’ve been given to somebody else. Jesus said, “Freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8). “But I’m too young, nobody is going to take me seriously,” you say. Paul told Timothy, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example” (1 Timothy 4:12 NIV). You’re not responsible for knowing everything; you’re just responsible for sharing what you know with others. As you pour into them what God and others have poured into you, they will go further and faster too. So ask God for a good adviser and become one to somebody else.