Exodus 18:13
“And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening.”
Moses found himself in the same trap that many pastors are in today. Moses had become the spokesperson for God to the children of Israel. The mistake the children of Israel made was that they didn’t pray to God like Moses did. Instead, they stood in a line to get advice from Moses. According to the Scriptures, this line was so long that Moses advised the people from “morning unto the evening.” It is no wonder that Moses’ temper was so short. Anybody who would have to deal with judging people this long on a daily basis would become frustrated.
What is interesting is that Moses didn’t go to the top of Mt. Sinai to get answers from God about the issues these people needed solved. No, Moses had to study the Scriptures that they had and spend time daily in prayer to get the wisdom from God with which to help these people. These people were literally wearing Moses out when they could have solved many of their issues by going to God themselves and learn His wisdom regarding their situation.
One of the most troubling things I see in churches today is how the people weary their man of God. Don’t get me wrong, the ministry is all about people, but I watch people needlessly wear the man of God out with questions that they could have answered themselves if they would go to God. Let me make this clear, I am not against you going to your pastor to get advice regarding situations that you face in your life, but I am against you going to him before you go to God.
Many Christians today have made their pastor their god. They’re pastor probably gives the same advice as God would give, but before they go to God, Christians run to their pastor. Before you ever go to your pastor to get his advice on your situation, I believe there are some things you should do so that you can keep from expending your man of God.
First, daily study the Scriptures to find God’s wisdom concerning your situation. I have found in my own life that God oftentimes gives me wisdom about a situation I am going to face before I face it. When God gives me His wisdom concerning situations, I write them down in a journal and keep them for later. If you will keep a journal of your daily Scripture reading and what you’ve learned, you will find much of the advice you need has already been given to you.
Second, go to God in prayer and ask Him for His advice concerning your situation. I know this sounds very simple, but sadly most people have never even prayed about their situation before they run to their pastor for advice. God has the wisdom for you, but He will not give it to you until you ask Him for it in prayer.
Third, listen to the weekly sermons of your pastor. Most of the time you will find God has already given you the wisdom you needed in the preaching time. This is why it is critical for you to listen intently to every sermon that is preached. You may not need the content of the sermon today, but you will need it sometime down the road. Listen to sermons and take notes so that you can use the godly advice from the sermon in your time of need.
Once you have taken these three steps, and if God has not shown you what to do in your situation, then go to your pastor for his advice. You will find that you can keep from wearying your pastor if you will let God show His advice to you through your personal time with Him. Yes, it is good to go to your pastor for advice, but be sure you go to God before you go to your pastor.