"Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety." Proverbs 11:14
News of the death of 16-year-old runner Patrick Cooper spread quickly Sunday and rocked the Anchorage, Alaska community. The teen who was participating in a popular trail race in Chugach State Park was killed by a 250-pound black bear after venturing off course and getting lost in the densely wooded terrain. Alaska Department of Fish and Game Spokesman, Ken Marsh, said, "It’s very unusual like someone being struck by lightning. Mountain runners are never safer than when they are in a race. How often do you have 300 people around you, making noise?"
And while our odds of being attacked by a bear are very small, this story reminds us that they are even smaller if we stay within the safety of a group. And when it comes to safety and leading others, the Bible tells us that a person called to "counsel" others is in danger of causing the people to "fall" when he or she is not in the safety of a "multitude of counselors". You see, a good leader, knowing that their own perspective might be biased by their emotions or not having all the facts, needs and uses wise advisers-and then makes his or her decisions only after taking into account the opinions and advice from them.
So to be wise mentors in our home, church or workplace, you and I must be open to seek the counsel of others and open to the input they have to give-knowing there is always something to be learned from someone else.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your many blessings. I pray that you would be with the family of Patrick Cooper, Lord, and grant them the peace that only you can give. As bad as this situation is, I pray that they draw closer to you through it. And Lord help us to be better leaders, to realize our inability to be effective if we are unwilling to be open to the advice of others. Help us to stay on course. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
Sanctus Real - Lead me
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