There are a plethora of voices vying for our attention these days. Advertisers want our attention so we will buy their product. So-called social media “influencers” go to great lengths to be heard so they can get more clicks, likes, and money. Politicians all have something to say about the various issues confronting us. Even those around us have their own opinion and feel the right to be heard. Each one of those “voices” not only wants to be heard but claims to be “the voice of reason” or the “voice of truth.” There is only one voice that needs to be heard and heeded. That voice is God’s.
Getting to Know His Voice
When we first meet someone, we may remember their face or maybe even their name, but it is unlikely we will remember their voice and be able to recognize it (unless it is very unique). The more time we spend with a person, however, the more familiar their voice becomes. When we spend time with God we get to know what He sounds like. How do we do that? It’s actually very simple: spend time talking to Him (praying) and spend time soaking in His Word. But, don’t just read it. Store it up. Be a “spiritual prepper!” That way, you’ll have it when you need it.
“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)
Once we begin to familiarize ourself with His voice, the question comes down to this: are we listening? If you are a parent (or own a cat), you know what it is like to be ignored! You can call your child’s name over and over again but they seem to be able to selectively tune you out when they want. “What? Oh! Were you calling me???” With all that is going on in the world, we need to listen and be ready to respond to His voice. Psalm 46:10 gives some great advice, “Be still and know that I am God.” Take time to be still enough to listen.
Hearing Him Over the Clatter
Once we get to know the Shepherd’s voice, how can we hear Him over all the other voices? News, politics, the economy, wars, personal finances, relationships, work: all of these create a cacophony of noise that screams for attention. Which one do we listen to? They all have some level of importance but cannot rule our life. The fact is that thing that makes the most noise is not necessarily the most important. We have to prioritize what is important. The voice we listen to first and most often will ultimately be the rudder that steers the direction of our life. Jesus Himself would, many times, slip away from the crowds and the noise to a quiet place so He could fellowship with His Father. Spending time in prayer and reading the Bible as a first priority will allow us to be able to navigate this life with more clarity and assurance.
How Do We Know It’s God?
Some voices can be soothing while others can be downright irritating. God’s voice, however, should bring comfort to our soul! But, just because something brings comfort to us, does that mean it is God? Can Christians be deceived? If we are not careful and attentive, we most certainly can! It all starts with a little seed called “doubt.” Deception began back in the Garden of Eden when Satan asked Eve the simple but powerfully derailing question, “Did God really say…” (refer to Genesis 3:1). All it takes is for us to allow that tiny seed of doubt to grow. Jesus warns in Matthew 24:23-24 (ESV),
“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.”
This is a warning from Jesus Himself that there will be a great deception brought upon this world. We live in confusing times. We must stand strong against the tide that is coming. What kind of deceptions are out there? Scams are all over the place: Email messages, phone calls that try to elicit information or money from you, door-to-door sales people trying to get you to improve your home or sign up for solar. The rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence is quite alarming, as well. Not only can a realistic video be made, but real voices are being cloned and manipulated. We may expect these things and figure out a way to deal with them. But there is an unexpected source of deception.
Deceptions within the Body of Christ, the Church, can be the most devastating and harmful. There are so many false teachings and false teachers around. A cursory sampling of “teachers” on social media is chock full of deceptions disguised as gospel. Some might say, “If it sounds good then it must be right!…right?” Voice impersonators can “sound” like the real deal but they ARE NOT the real deal! We must not be caught off guard by these spiritual scam artists! We need to be ready to stand up to false teaching with the Truth of God’s Word.
It is imperative upon us, God’s people, to stand against the onslaught of falsehoods and lies that are being perpetrated in the name of Christ. The very souls of those we love and with whom we do this thing called life are at stake. Satan wants to deceive and destroy any and all he can: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8, ESV).
Scripture must be our stronghold. It must be the compass that guides us. If something doesn’t match up with God’s Word, no matter how “good or godly” it sounds or appears, we must reject it as the garbage that it is. In these harsh, upsetting, and confusing times, allow God’s Word to be deeply ingrained upon your soul. Hold on to Jesus and trust Him!
