“Voices are speaking, and still we hear what we want to hear.” That is a quote from the song “Voices” by Michael W. Smith. I have often shared this quote in my Facebook posts. What does that even mean? Quite simply, there are many voices out there, clamoring for our attention, but we only listen to what we want to hear.

What voices are we listening to? Too many of us listen to voices we are comfortable with and react to them. We tune in to certain political leaders, parties, celebrities, news outlets, podcasts, websites, and trusted individuals, often without forming our own thoughts. Some of us surround ourselves with people who agree with us, and we only respond to what we hear, repeating it. When those voices are offended by something, we echo that offense; when they celebrate, we celebrate. A meme I like asks, “Good morning, what are we going to be offended by today?” When we wake up, do we plan to be offended? No, but once we hear an offended voice, we echo it and become outraged. It’s as if we don’t have our own thoughts unless the voices tell us what to think and feel, and then we end up upset.

My challenge to you is to be cautious. If you only listen to voices you’re comfortable with, how can you really know if those voices reflect reality or the truth? Just because you surround yourself with people who agree with you doesn’t mean you’re right. Ask yourself, prayerfully, whether you are listening to the right voices. We should be listening to the still, small voice of God amid all these competing voices, yet even Bible-believing Christians listen to different voices.

I know born-again Christians who are loyal to the president and his administration, and I also know born-again Christians who oppose this current president and his administration. Who is right here? Both sides believe they are right and the other side is wrong. How can this be? I had a social media friend who got livid at me because she did not like my political views. When I asked her, “Can’t we agree to disagree?” she said, “I can’t,” and then added, “I won’t.” What a sad commentary on our society.

My recommendation is that we prayerfully reevaluate the voices we listen to. We should think about WWJD, “What Would Jesus Do,” in any situation and follow it! Shouldn’t the still, small voice of God be the most significant shaper of what we believe?

Take care,

Bill R.