Admonition: constructive guidance in what to avoid; to warn.
(Romans 15:14 – ESV: “I myself am satisfied with you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.”
Have you figured out by now that no one has a life story that is perfect or without some type of failure or mistake or sin? Of course, that is consistent with the truth that “all have sinned” and “that in this world you will have tribulation”.
Also, I am sure you know people who have told their life stories, and those listening couldn’t imagine THAT story actually having happened in THAT person’s life. The vulnerable, appropriate disclosure of our past struggles may be all the admonition another person needs to wake up to the real-life consequences of their current poor choices. Others may take a little more direct intervention in a one-on-one conversation, where eye-to-eye warnings and cautions are given.
Of course, no one has to heed an admonition, and it seems clear to me that one of the schemes of the enemy is to use unresolved hurt in a relationship to build a wall between people that is just tall enough or thick enough to justify one person disqualifying the other from ever having anything helpful or wise to say. Why is it that in too many instances the people who love us most are heeded the least?
Why do we trust and follow the counsel and influence of people we hardly know over the advice of others who’ve loved us a very long time? May I admonish you to ask advice or follow the examples of those who’ve actually achieved success in the areas of life that are most important to you? To whom would you go for advice on healthy relationships, wise parenting, spiritual matters, or authentic happiness in life?
A new friend came to saving faith in Jesus Christ just a few years ago, but he went quickly to older men in his church to find a good mentor in his faith. They admonished him to grow and study the Word of God. He did.
Another friend finished an addiction recovery program and took the admonition of those who helped him develop an after-care plan. He is meeting with others, learning God’s Word, and intentionally pursuing a closer walk with God.
Seeking and following the admonition of a doctor, heeding the warnings of a friend, or giving wise counsel to someone you love are a few examples of admonition. We need to be ready to give it appropriately and heed it as we come to trust those who love us and are looking out for our best interest.
Be ready to tell your story of ways wise counsel, God’s Word, leadership from Holy Spirit have saved you from making foolish decisions or have helped you wonderfully rebound after making poor decisions.
- Jesus admonished His disciples, those He met in the ministry of healing, and the religious leaders. Did they heed His admonition every time? Was He ever wrong? He loves us and gives us wisdom and care. We’d be wise to heed His words.
- Would you read Matthew 7:24-29? Can you think of some people who built their lives on “sand” and of others who built their lives on “the rock”? What happened to them when “the rain descended, the flood rose, and the wind blew” against them? What foundation are you building on currently? See what Jesus meant by both types.
- Please take some time with family and friends to talk (appropriately – no names need be mentioned) about lives you have observed built on the two types of foundations and the consequences they experienced.