“Where no wise guidance is, the people falleth: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14
Life is rarely done in isolation, but with others. Whether be professional connections, biological family partnerships and extended relationships from that space, friends found spanning years, love ties, acquaintances brought together by chance or by a project to facilitate a cause, online contacts that develop into resource partners which create further engagements, adopted family of brothers and sisters with inlaws that brings, religious brothers and sisters- in our context Christians who are bound by the deep work of Christ who especially in times of persecution have known deeper closeness that trascends human affiliations as seen in biblical accounts and testimonies from the field, groupings interests. You can have these joyful expressions of warmth in society. You can always have one or two persons that wish you well, and more, and rejoice in what they see and hear you can become. You can also have those you wish well. That levels of reciprocity matters.
One can rely on any of these connections, especially where credible, to do life together. Holding them together may require briefings, correspondence, a willingness to share, an openness to listen and learn, a heart for people. You may also need to respect preferences, and develop life-long commitments where possible.
You will realise working together takes work. Like a garden you have to tend it. And you have to find the right connections, sometimes thats not up to you but fate and faith. As said, communication is key. I will like to add that unfeigned communication and a heart for people. Learning a new language or context and culture may take time, but helps shape empathy and becomes so worth it. No one wants good misinterpreted. But like a wise person be willing to draw from a good resource of people, get good advice and chart your course.
Its one thing to benefit from a web of connections, its another to take the lead managing that. In a nation’s or individual context, how does guidance influence others positively? Perhaps, you may need to give space to a range of views from people that could help impact on choice. The ability to decipher good advice is another thing. Ask God to help you pick. Sometime, your heart will resonate with what is true, and you will need courage to agree with it, as well.
God bless.
Evangelist Israel Okunwaye
