Dr. Charles Stanley writes, “Many years ago while I was on a photography trip, the Heavenly Father taught me a valuable lesson about leading and following.” His party had been hiking on the trail for three or four hours when he felt a slight sensation of dread. He said he had a sneaking suspicion that they were headed the wrong way. When he asked, the guide reassured Dr. Stanley that the group was heading in the right direction.
Dr. Stanley eventually pulled out his compass which indicated they were indeed going the wrong way. When this was pointed out to the guide (the second time) he finally stopped to think about it and admitted they were off course. The group lost about three hours and some photo opportunities, all because of incorrect leadership.
Dr. Stanley said, “That experience taught me how vitally important it is to trust in the person who is guiding us. Beyond the hiking trail, this holds true in business, church, families, or any other relationship. If our guide isn’t trustworthy…we’ll end up lost.”
Charles Stanley then asks, “Who is your guide? Are you following celebrities or news reporters? Are you trusting in politicians or business leaders?” What about “false prophets”, teachers who add, subtract, or change God’s word to make it more palatable? If you’ve placed your trust and faith in anyone or anything other than your heavenly Father, you’re already off course. “He is our one trustworthy Guide.”
