To Whose Voice are You Listening?

Recently I visited a local Christian bookstore. I enjoyed browsing the shelves, noticing titles, and reading portions of those books that I might have a further interest in. I noticed a number of books that had either the word "deceive" or "deception" in the title. The authors of these various books were doing their best to warn Christians of the deceptive practices and teachings that are beginning to find a root within many local churches. Some of the common deceptive teachings include: there are more ways to God than just through Jesus Christ, so we need to stop being so narrow-minded; salvation is something that is obtainable through our own efforts; and truth is only what is valid for me, so I must stop proclaiming any sense of absolute truth for everyone.

This morning I was reading from a familiar passage in John 10 - you know, the passage about Jesus being the Good Shepherd. I was struck with a truth in verse 5 I had not focused upon before. The verse reads: But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize the stranger's voice. The verse immediately preceding this one states that followers of Christ know His voice and can follow Him.

In this age of deception, how does a person distinguish between the voice of Jesus Christ and the voices of those who claim to be Jesus - the ones Jesus describes as being the hirelings or thieves and robbers? It is easy to say that a person should listen for the references from the Bible; but many of the deceivers today also proclaim Scripture. So, how are we to know for sure? I believe the answer goes back to the Scriptures. Those teaching deception are very astute at "cutting and pasting" passages to fit their deceptive teachings. Our enemy also knows the Scriptures - remember he quoted Scripture to Jesus during the temptations in the wilderness.

The key is to have the attitude of the Bereans (Acts 17:11). It is time that we begin searching the Bible, not necessarily looking for proof-texts for our favorite doctrinal teaching, but diligently seeking out truth. And, I believe, as we begin to know God's truth then we will also know God's voice and will turn and flee away from those who would seek to lead us astray.

Friends, I strongly challenge you to begin your own study of the Word of God. Start digging more deeply uncovering nuggets of truth that will alert you to doctrinal errors. In this way you are truly hearing the voice of the Good Shepherd.