His Holiness Pope Shenouda explains that a person is guided in his spiritual life by different ways, and not every guidance is correct.
Some people are guided by thought and mind provided the mind is sound and considered.
Others are guided by desires and passions and they carry out their own lusts even if contrary to reason.
There are those guided by a spiritual guide and sometimes obey him with blind submission; the Scripture calls us not to blind submission because the blind leads the blind.
Some people are guided by dreams and visions, and one must beware that not every vision is from God as it may be from the subconscious or a desire turned into a vision.
Some souls say “the Spirit told me” so there must be a measure: do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits as the Scripture requires.
People are also influenced by following traditions or the opinion of society or feelings like fear, flattery, pity or self-interest; these are types of guidance not all of which are sound.
The straight way is that a person be guided by wisdom, examining matters and seeking the wisdom of the Lord, and be guided by the word of God provided there is comprehensive knowledge of it, its interpretation, and the lives of the Fathers.
Prayer, seeking counsel from the saints and the Fathers’ lives, and walking in humility and meekness lead to knowing the right path, for God teaches the meek and reveals His secrets to the humble.
Conclusion: Ask for wisdom, study the Scripture carefully, pray asking the Lord’s guidance, and refrain from blind submission or blind following of public opinion or passion.

For better translation support, please contact the center.