Hearing voices

“Hearing voices” can be an indication of mental illness or mental health — it all depends on the voices and what they say. For instance, “voices” that urge you to hurt yourself or others, to do something morally reprehensible, or to act in ways contrary to sound logic and reason are obviously wrong whatever their source. But what about “voices” that instead urge you to: help yourself and others, to act in morally upright and righteous ways, and to conduct yourself in reasonable, logical, and sound courses? What “voices” do this?

The first is the voice of inspiration. “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Are you listening to the voice of inspiration for the education and correction it provides to enable you to be useful to God in your life?

The second is the voice of reason. “I urge you there, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship” (Romans 12:1). The word translated as “spiritual” in this verse can also be rendered as “rational” (and is given as an alternate in the margins of some versions). What does this mean? It is not only spiritual, but also reasonable to listen to and obey God by living sacrificially for Him instead of selfishly for yourself. Are you listening to His voice of reason in this way?

The third is the voice of knowledge. “I know, O Lord, that a man’s way is not in himself; nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). There is an obvious arrogance involved when we think we know more or better than our Creator about anything. So, when facing problems and difficulties, or just seeking to navigate through the mazes of life, do you listen to the ultimate voice of knowledge, or assume you have gotten all the needed information yourself?

The fourth is the voice of understanding. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts higher than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9). There are so many times and circumstances in life that cause us to admit, “I just don’t understand.” But, in how many of those times and circumstances do you appeal to God in prayer for assistance and look to His word for enlightenment? We may tend to ask for His help, but usually fail to search the answers He has already provided for assistance. Are you listening to the voice of understanding by trying to “see” the way God does?

The fifth is the voice of wisdom. “Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealous and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” (James 3:13-18). Thus, “true wisdom” is only present when the “right” actions are done through it. Are you listening to the voice of wisdom “from above” in righteous conduct, or still struggling to find peace through the wisdom from below (human sources)?

Why not listen to and heed these “voices”? To be sure, there are myriads of “voices” which claim to be those of reason, knowledge, understanding, and wisdom today. However, there is but one voice that really counts — the voice of inspiration! Read your Bible — it contains the reason, knowledge, understanding, and wisdom that matters to eternity.

Adapted from Philip Strong