In Romans 12:2, Paul tells us, “Do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewal of your minds…” The JB Phillips translation reads, “Do not let the world squeeze you into its mold, but instead let yourself be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” My brother-in-law Mike once shared his concern about all of the competing voices we hear in our heads. And he’s right. This may be a greater problem for us in our day than it’s been at any earlier time. So many more voices are available to us: voices from television, radio, movies, the internet, and social media. We hear voices of self-interest and status; voices telling us to buy things, voices urging us to cut corners in business or in relationships. But we also hear voices that tell us to put others first; voices that tell us to love others sacrificially. With all of these competing voices how do we discern which ones we should listen to? Today, let’s consider a passage in which Jesus helps us to choose:

It was now winter and Jesus was in Jerusalem at the time of Hanukkah, the Festival of Dedication. He was in the Temple…people surrounded him and asked…“If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus replied, “I have already told you, and you don’t believe me…you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:22-27, abridged)

In this passage, Jesus says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Like those Jesus spoke to in the temple, self-interest often prevents us from hearing God’s voice. Many times the Spirit’s voice is drowned out by the louder voice of our own will and desires. So we must become intentional about listening for that voice and responding to it. My experience has usually been that the Holy Spirit doesn’t get louder—He gets quieter. So, one of the ways we can be intentional is to quiet ourselves, to hear Jesus’ voice among the competing voices. Let me ask you: in your prayer time, are you doing all of the talking? And, how much of your time is spent listening?

Today, I encourage you to cultivate the practice of listening for God’s voice. If you ask God a question, listen for the answer! Ask Him, “How can I serve my neighbor?” or “What can I do in a practical way to make life better for that person?” As you do this, the Spirit’s voice will emerge from among all those competing voices. God will help you be more attuned to hearing Him and doing what He wants you to do...and that is very Good News!