I need to write about Proverbs 20:18 today. It took up two pages in my journal so it must be important to me. It goes like this: "Form your purpose by asking for counsel, then carry it out using all the help you can get." Of course, you say.
Well, let me tell you.............
Some years ago we belonged to a church where we were all new to one another. Hardly anyone knew anyone else, with just a few exceptions. And I made a huge mistake!
I was asked by the pastor if I would be responsible for the workings of small groups in the church. The emphasis of this church was to be the small groups. I wasn't certain of what the job entailed, but began to study other churches with this devise, read a few books and got clarification from the pastor. With this information and a prayer, I began to work. I visited each small group, praising each team, thanking them for their efforts, encouraging them, and began to feel somewhat prepared. I also let them know I would try to be there for them and if they ran into any snags, I would do my best to help.
It was a disaster! No one really wanted me to attend their group. No one wanted my input if they hit a snag. No one complained to me, or gave me any hints that I was off-base, but..... they surely did to the pastor about me.
Today, after reading Proverbs 20:18, I can see where I went wrong. I sailed in as if I was an expert! If I had only begun by a discussion with each group leader as to how they could utilize my help if they desired, explained my role as an attendant for the pastor, and explained what I thought was expected of me for their group. If I had then sorted out what they thought my job should be or not be and come to an agreement, I would have Formed OUR Purpose! Not my purpose, but OURS!
Forming our purpose could have been done by a phone calll to each leader. By letting them each know what the pastor and I expected of my job, they could have had input into what they thought and expected. Therefore, it would have been OUR purpose and not mine.
God doesn't promise us success, but I felt sad and disappointed, never-the-less. No, God used this situation for His purpose, and I hang my hat on that! And with this message, today I pass along what I learned the hard way. Prov.20:18 could be used by many, for today and always.
Instead of being a co-worker, I must have seemed like a governmental spy! My apologies to all those affected by my ignorance.
My husband, Jerry, had a wise father and Ed used to say, "You get too soon old and too late smart!" Oh, dear!
Older and a bit smarter....Jo
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Sounds like you did your homework, so to speak, then went in and did the best job that you knew how! Who could fault you for that? As brothers & sisters in Christ we are to go to one another with our problems first, then if that does not work, seek further help. So, I bet you aren't the only one who used this as a learning lesson. But I really do love how open and transparent you always are...and always willing to learn. You are a shining example of God's love! We love you guys!
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