Read: Matthew 12:41-42
I never cease to be amazed at the complexity of the human mind. I often wonder what determines which data will be remembered and which forgotten. Many times I have racked my brain trying to recall vital information. At other times, out of nowhere, some nonsensical rhyme or jingle from times long past, will play over and over in my head.
Just last week I awakened in the wee hours of the morning and lay thinking in my bed. In the darkness, thoughts of first one thing and then another coursed through my mind. One was the memory of a commercial that I had seen many, many years ago. It was advertising a well-known financial institution. There were several men and women dressed in business attire mulling around at a social function. The implication was that these were intelligent, upwardly mobile individuals, holding conversations of depth and importance. A very well-dressed, distinguished gentleman entered the scene and began to weave his way into the crowded room. He stopped at one group of people and opened his mouth to speak.
Over the low drone of voices an announcer made this statement, "When E. F. Hutton speaks, everybody listens." At the sound of Mr. Hutton's voice, the crowd stood as still as statues, silently waiting to see what he had to say. No one moved or spoke until he left the room. Then everyone returned to their own conversations-business as usual. Obviously, whatever E. F. Hutton had to say was considered important enough to stop what they were doing to hear it!
There are three spiritual lessons we can learn from this commercial: 1) not every voice is worth listening to. We need to rely on the Holy Spirit to give us discernment as to which things being taught are true to God's Word. Scripture warns us to expect an increase in false doctrine and teachers (For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect - if that were possible. Matthew 24:24). Like the commercial, there will be many "voices" speaking in this hour. The only voice worth listening to is the one that lines up with the Word of the Lord. 2) there is one voice that should stop us in our tracks. Everything that the Lord has to say should arrest our attention. Our scripture for the month reminds us that there is One much greater than even the most influential, charismatic people that we know. If we are willing to give them high regard, surely He who is Lord of All is due the greatest honor and esteem! 3) we need to listen attentively to hear what is being said. God always speaks with purpose - to teach, chastise, encourage, protect - just to name a few. Second Timothy 3:16 states it this way, All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 4) we need to be prepared to follow His instructions. God desires an obedient heart. It is not enough to hear only, but to hear and then do what has been spoken (Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22).
Let's begin 2007 committing to make it a year of consistently listening for and obeying the voice of the Lord. We can't afford to miss anything that He says.
Prayer
Lord, You are awesome and truly worthy of my adoration, worship, and obedience. Teach me to give Your Word the highest regard. Forgive me for the many times that I have followed the "traditions of men," allowing someone of repute to influence me rather than what You have spoken. Let it be said of me that when God speaks, I stop to listen. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
