The Right Spiritual Authority-- Do not allow just anyone to speak into your life

SCRIPTURES: 

"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Proverbs 18:21

1 John 4:1, "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."

Proverbs 24:6, "⁶ Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers."

Matthew 7:15-20, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."

Hebrews 13:7-8,  "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

Proverbs 15:22, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed."

Ephesians 4:10-13, "He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe. It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."

**************************************************************
I was just thinking today on how blessed I am to have a circle of great friends who through time, I know that they care for me, will stand in prayer with me, offer sound/rational advice...I have selected these people to be figures of spiritual authority, leaders in my life.

I am only 26 years old...a baby to many, and yet to the youngin's, an old lady; however I do believe because I made poor decisions regarding listening to the advice of certain individuals who I barely knew and placing them in a position of spiritual authority in my life...I did not progress in a few areas as quickly as I should have and was steered in the wrong direction.

Therefore I encourage you to take it take time to get to REALLY know the person that you are seeking advice from and asking to pray for you. Be very mindful of the person you allow to encourage, discourage, advise, and mentor you. Be around that individual for a while, within a few weeks, a few hangouts, a few discussions, and by praying to God (ask God to reveal to you if this is an individual who can be your mentor), it will be revealed to you.

I have often heard the phrase, "By beholding we becoming changed...," I believe it to be true. I find that in my past when I am consistently around certain individuals they either raise me to a higher standard or understanding in certain aspects of my life or discourage/challenge certain values or goals that I have.

Be watchful of who you permit to influence your life.