You have an important choice to make: You’ve been chosen to be on a high-profile city sports team, the all-stars for your age group. Being on this team will give you the opportunity to compete nationally and maybe even play professionally someday. You know joining the team will mean a huge time commitment, and there may be problems with competing on Sabbath. But it’s the chance of a lifetime.

You ask for advice. Your best friends say, “Go for it!” Your favorite teacher says, “If you join this team, your schoolwork will probably suffer.” Your youth pastor says, “Pray about this. Ask God to show you His plan for you. Put God first in making a decision. Follow His leading! I will pray for you as well.” Your mom and dad say, “Think of this opportunity in light of your relationship with God. Would your relationship with God improve or suffer as a result of accepting to be on this sports team? Would you be able to continue keeping the Sabbath once you become involved in sports activities?”

Do you listen to other people’s advice? Or do you think a decision like this has to be made all on your own without anyone’s input? If you choose to ask others for their advice, how do you know whom to trust?