Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” (Mark 9:7)
Television, movies, talk radio, YouTube, magazines, podcasts—so many voices speaking to us every waking moment. Listen to this. Listen to that. Buy this. Buy that. This is truth. No, this is truth.
We buy because we are told we have a need. Advertising is effective. Open any issue of Better Homes and Gardens, Popular Mechanics, Family Circle, and the ads often rival content. Advertising entices us to purchase products by instilling a sense of lack. We are bombarded with things we “need”—things we must have. I’m embarrassed to admit how many kitchen gadgets I’ve purchased and never used. So, how do people of faith discern what voice to listen to? Consider the verse above.
Jesus’ teachings, his words, his example, his life—these are what we need to be listening to. Not advertisements. Not political voices. Not radio talk hosts. If God told Peter, James, and John to listen to his Son, then we best do the same.
Jesus-followers, may we listen to his Word more than anything or anyone else. Before making decisions, seek his teachings. Is there insight to be gleaned? Is their wisdom to be gained? May we use caution in listening to teachings or instructions that are in direct opposition to the Bible. May we look up and listen.
Be aware of the voices speaking into your life.
Kathy Troyer, and her husband of forty-six years, are active in Cultivate [Wesleyan] Church in Indiana. They love spending time with their family—especially thirteen grandkids.
© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.