Discerning what advice to follow

Everywhere you turn someone is writing a book, talking on the radio, or preaching about how we can improve our... lives, ministry, parenting, success, you name it.  (Yes, I realize that I am doing essentially the same thing here)  Much of the advice is great, much of it is worthless, so how do we determine what is worthwhile?

Here are some questions you should ask before following popular advice:

1. Is it scriptural?  Much of the advice people give for living a fulfilling life is shrouded in spiritual clothing, and even uses some scripture as a base.  But does it line up with the total revelation or simply take a verse or two to support secular ideology?
2. Does it appeal to the flesh? 2 Peter 2 points out that many false teachers will wrap their messages in holiness talk but actually appeal to the fleshly desires, sensuality, freedom and power.  We must ask ourselves why a message is appealing,  does it call us to greater holiness, greater service, greater communion, greater love?  Or does it appease the conscience, excuse sin, promise material health and wealth, and focus on emotions and pride?
3. Does it rely on the Holy Spirit?  If we do the right things with enough perseverance then everything will work out and God will be pleased.  Unfortunately this is not biblical.  Our efforts must be led by the Holy Spirit otherwise we will soon be off track, frustrated and burnt out.  We may never see the fruit of our labors (on Earth) but if we rely on the Holy Spirit then our labors will never be in vain.
4. Does it deal with the heart?  Any advice that deals with sin MUST deal with the heart.  If the focus is solely on outward behavior than true freedom will never be found.  The heart is the source of evil and must be transformed, the flesh is at enmity with God and must be killed.
5. Does it bring you closer to God?  This is the theme of this blog.  God's heart is to bring His children back to Himself.  Take a look at the end result of any teaching.  Are the followers bringing glory to God?  Do the followers serve others, read the Word, and preach the gospel?  The fruit of any teaching reveals its reality.