At the end of the day, each of us is responsible for the choices we make. We decide to walk “to the right or to the left”. As far as our own heart and our own character, we are the referee. We determine what is allowed and what isn’t. What to consider and what to abolish. What to follow and which to ignore.
There are many voices vying for our attention. They long to influence us, to help guide our decisions. God Himself sends us many “voices”. Teachers (leaders and mentors) whispering in our ears. The (paradoxical) spiritual nourishment of affliction and adversity. Our own eyes. While Satan attempts to pervert, interrupt, or mimic these voices, there is no doubt they continue to speak to us, to call us into obedience.
By learning how to listen, we hone an important decision-making tool: discernment. We tune our ears to the helpful voices and tune out (or disregard) the others. We decide what matters. We learn how to filter the truth from a bombardment of noise.
The whispers are after us. Each is showing us a way. Calling us into his Kingdom. Inviting us to be faithful, obedient, hearers (and doers) of God’s Word. That is the way that leads to our greatest fulfillment.
“Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”
– Isaiah 30:20-21