In every major sphere of life you’ll find stories about the tragic results when someone had no clue what it meant to submit to God, let alone humbly yield to others he or she could trust.

One of the most tragic figures in the art world is Vincent van Gogh. He thought he could have a relationship with God while neglecting or avoiding meaningful relationships with others here on earth. He constantly rebuffed the encouragement, counsel and advice of his older brother, Theo, and others who loved him.

Ultimately, van Gogh’s despair brought him to the point of abandoning faith in God. Apparently, he never considered that God, rather than failing him, had been trying to speak to him and care for him through those who deeply loved him. What a difference if van Gogh had only listened to his friends. He could have fulfilled his destiny as an artist to the glory of God. Instead, van Gogh ended his own life with a bullet. 

Why such needless tragedy? Because van Gogh had no clue what it means to submit or yield to God, let alone humbly defer to the wisdom and counsel of others he could trust.

What about in your life so far? Who do you trust the most? Yourself? If so, don’t repeat van Gogh’s tragic mistakes. “Today is the day of salvation” [2 Corinthians 6:2].

This is Luis Palau.