As Christians we claim to listen for God's direction. When the world gets uncomfortable, we remind ourselves that God is still on the throne. The messages we agree with and the sentiments we spout suggest that we are concentrating on what God is saying far more than what men are saying. I grew up going to church and spent my whole life in religious circles. The purpose of preaching is to hear what God has to say, right? But who are we really listening to?
How much of our lives is spent pouring over what mere humans are saying? Culture, experts, trends, jobs, news, corporations, and so many other entities take priority in our heart over God's powerful and proven word. It's easy to get caught up in playing house, as we do and make unconscious concessions simply because life seems to demand it. Playing sports seems to demand missing family and church functions. Corporate interests seem to determine how I spend my money. The world's experts demand I dismiss how God designed the human body. College and jobs determine where I live rather than the spiritual health of my family. How many ridiculous trends have led to the absolute mistreatment of others or permanent damage to ourselves? The way we live life in this modern age does not make sense on so many levels, but it especially falls short when compared to the instructions in living we find in scripture.
There is a lot of bullying going on in our world, even in the church and I wonder how many of us are participating? Society is pushing their own ideas hard and when anyone thinks differently, they are often overtaken like a swarm of insects in the summer. It's not a new thing for Christians to disagree with the world's ideas, but the habit we're in of attacking each other for considering God's ideas above man's is one we need to quit cold turkey! When we're carefully handling God's ideas, rather than being consumed with the world's chaos, there is much peace to be found.
Today in Oklahoma it is 18 degrees and not supposed to get above freezing for a week or so. I am 41 years old and I don't ever remember that happening. I'm told the last time was sometime in the 1980's so I know it's possible, but just another item in the bizarre column of life we have stacked up. The world looks crazy right now, but hasn't it always? Could it be that we've just listened to imperfect humans for a little too long? Every day, every circumstance, God has something to say about it. He's been giving guidance and direction from the beginning of whatever is troubling you. Are we bothering to consider it?
Are you struggling with something wildly accepted by the world? Is there nagging in the back of your mind, but absolutely afraid of the onslaught that would come if you start asking questions? It's easy to dismiss some of God's directions, because they feel unreasonable up against our modern existence. But doesn't that tell you something? You're listening to the wrong expert. The world is a mess on a good day so why should we get bogged down by all it is saying? The very foundation of the Christian faith is built on truth. How on earth are you going to find truth in worldly places right now? The next time you find yourself getting weary of all the chatter, ask yourself who you are listening to. Jesus came so that we might have life in abundance. That means we have to listen to what He has said far more than the messages of culture, corporation and corruption.
"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joins and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
Hebrews 4:12