What Voice Are You Listening To?

What Voice Are You Listening To?

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Jesus – John 10:10

There’s this belief floating around—that God is mostly interested in rules . . . that following Jesus means saying no to joy, freedom, or anything fun . . . that He’s kind of a killjoy. But that’s not what Jesus says. Jesus’ words recorded in John 10:10 flip that belief on its head. He didn’t come to limit your life. He came to fill it. To restore it. To give it meaning and joy and purpose. But this verse also introduces a choice. Because while Jesus came to give life, there’s another voice in the mix. A thief. One who came to steal, kill, and destroy. So here’s the real question: Whose voice are you listening to? I think this is the question every Christian needs to wrestle with.

Jesus was saying that there are false shepherds, leaders who don’t care for the sheep. Leaders who use people to gain power. Leaders who run when things get hard. Jesus didn’t have to name names. Everyone knew about whom He was talking. The Pharisees. The religious leaders who had twisted their position into something self-serving. The ones who used broken people to make a point. Like the lame man at the pool. Like the blind man Jesus healed. Like the woman caught in adultery. The Pharisees did care for them. They used them. So when Jesus started talking about thieves who harm the sheep, the picture was clear. It was a warning, not just to the leaders, but to anyone who might be following the wrong voice.

There are a lot of voices trying to shape your life. The voice of our culture says, “Do what makes you happy.” The voice of shame whispers, “You’re not enough. You’ll never be enough.” The voice of comparison tells you, “You’re behind. You’re missing out.” Even well-meaning voices around us can pull us toward fear, pressure, and burnout. These voices might sound reasonable, even comforting at times, but they don’t lead to life. Not real life at least. Like drinking salt water, these voices seem to satisfy for a moment, but they only leave you thirstier and more hollow than before. That’s what the thief does. The thief, the devil, distorts good desires, hijacks your attention, and pulls you away from the One who actually knows you, really loves you, and really wants the best for you. Jesus is offering something different, but you’ve got to listen for His voice. And follow it. If you’re wondering how to tune into Jesus’ voice and quiet all the others, try this for the next week. 

1. Re-read John 10:1–18.  Take 10 minutes each day. Sit with the passage and ask: What does this show me about who Jesus really is?

2. Write down one dominant thought.  What’s been taking up my mental space lately?
A fear? A desire? A lie? Ask yourself: Is this the voice of Jesus the Good Shepherd or something else?

3. Take one small step.  Maybe that step is a break from social media. Maybe it’s replacing one podcast with prayer. Maybe it’s calling someone who always speaks life into you.
Whatever it is, do it today.

You were made for more than survival. You were made for life to the fullest, but that life starts by listening to the right voice. So again, I ask, “Whose voice are you listening to?” Jesus came to give you more than survival . . . more than religion . . . more than pressure to perform. He came to give you life. Full, rich, eternal life. But you’ve got to decide which voice you’ll follow.

Thanks for reading Pastor Dale’s Mid-Week Encouragement.  If you’re a regular attender of the Mt. Laurel Church of God, consider reading Galatians 3:23-29 to get yourself ready to hear God’s message through Pastor Dale AND to celebrate World Communion Sunday on Sunday, October 5.

Called to know the Way, go the Way, and show you the Way,

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.