I’ve had people offer opinions about my life that were genuinely helpful, even when they were uncomfortable to hear. I’ve also received plenty of unsolicited advice that, looking back, probably deserved a polite smile rather than serious consideration.
I’ve learned that not everyone who has an opinion about my life should have influence in my life.
That doesn’t mean I should only listen to people who agree with me. Sometimes the people who care about us most are the ones willing to challenge us.
But before giving someone’s words significant weight, I’ve learned to ask a few questions: Do they genuinely want what’s best for me? Do they understand my values and where I’m going? Are they leading themselves well? Is their perspective helping me grow, or simply making me question who I am?
Wisdom requires humility to listen, even when the truth is uncomfortable. But it also requires discernment about which voices we allow to shape us.
So here’s a question I’ve recently been challenging myself with: Am I giving the right people influence in my life (or those who demonstrate sacrificial presence), or simply listening to whoever has the loudest opinion (or sounds the most confident)?
With hope,
Nathan
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