LITTLE ROCK — DEAR REV. GRAHAM: What can you do with someone who refuses to listen to advice? My cousin just moved in with a woman he barely knows and says they’re going to get married. Everyone in the family keeps telling him it isn’t going to work because she’s very self-centered, with children by different men, but he won’t listen.
- E.K.
DEAR E.K.: If someone adamantly refuses to listen to advice from people who are older and wiser, then there may not be much you can do about it - except to pray.
I’m reminded of the people of Jeremiah’s day, who refused to listen to his repeated attempts to get them to turn back to God. “Now therefore say to the people of Judah and those living in Jerusalem, ‘This is what the Lord says: Look! I am preparing a disaster for you and devising a plan against you. So turn from your evil ways, each one of you, and reform your ways and your actions.’ But they will reply, ‘It’s no use. We will continue with our own plans; we will all follow the stubbornness of our evil hearts.’” (Jeremiah 18:11-12). But Jeremiah kept on preaching - and as you and others in your family have opportunity, you should keep on expressing your concern.
At the same time, let your cousin know that even if you don’t agree with his decision, you still love him, and you want what’s best for him. After all, his marriage may turn out better than anyone expects, and if so, he needs to know he’s still part of your family.
The most important thing you can do, however, is to pray for your cousin, and encourage him to seek God’s will for his life.
Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201 or visit the website at billygraham.org
MovieStyle, Pages 34 on 09/21/2012