Near the end of the book of Acts (see Acts 27) we find Paul parceled off to Rome to preach the gospel before Caesar, but this was no island hopping pleasure cruise.  The Lord made it clear to Paul that their boat should winter at Fair Havens.  Even with Paul's jet setting experience on missionary journeys, his petitioning lost out to the "expert advice" of the ship's pilot and captain.

It is not unusual for Churches and Ministries to seek the advice of consultants and experts for guidance in running their ministries.  After all, they resemble businesses in many ways and there are plenty of roadmaps to success for everything from fundraising to motivating people.  (Alas, the common ground between today’s Church and worldly businesses will have to wait for another Priority on the Word because there is another point I am making today.)

Here is the first thing that is really standing out to me:  Who has your ear?  Do you trust the wisdom of man from scientist, experts, and doctorates of all persuasions – or does the Word of God delivered by the Spirit taught man carry more weight?  For those of us who call ourselves “believers” it seems that more often than not we trust the former over the latter.

Secondly, maybe you are the one who has received wisdom from God outside of your area of expertise.  Make your case; stand your ground!  Are you positive it won’t affect a change in direction?  Paul’s admonitions were ignored as well, but when the advice of the man of God bested the best of the world’s wisdom, you can be sure that some took notice and that hearts were changed.