Ro. 10:17: “So then faith comes by hearing…”
If faith comes by hearing, then it’s safe to say that it matters what we’re listening to. When I was a little girl, we sang a song that said, “Oh, be careful little ears what you hear…” How true that song is, because this verse tells us that faith comes from hearing. What we are hearing is what leads to our faith.
Let’s start with something simple, like childhood. When a kid hears over and over how dumb or nerdy or fat they are, from other kids, they start to believe that. If they hear that they are pretty, smart, or talented, they believe the same.
When we watch documentaries, we find they are so easy to believe. Before we’ve even checked the facts, we’ve heard what the experts have said, and our faith in their ‘truth’ is built. Sometimes it is true. Sometimes not so much.
When politicians are what we are hearing most, we can begin to believe our salvation or destruction rests on their decisions.
Likewise, if I am constantly listening to words that tell me how strong and able I am, but neglect to listen to anything that reminds me of how strong and able God is, I will begin to put my faith in myself.
We cannot deceive ourselves. Our faith IS going to come from somewhere. It will come from whatever it is we are hearing right now. And when we aren’t hearing God’s word, our faith is going to come from somewhere else. What is it you are hearing at this time in your life? Is it the word of God? Is it something else?
In Ro. 12:2, Paul said, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
We have voices and noise all around us, in this world, but we cannot conform to what this world tells us. It is not old-fashioned or out-dated to serve the Lord with gladness. It is not going to hold us back in life to renew our minds and prove what the will of God is. When our lives prove that which is good and acceptable and perfect, it shows that we are hearing the right voice.
Being a good person isn’t going to cut it. Doing good works won’t save us in the end. Believing in another God is not the way to heaven. When we are hearing God; however, we will know this, and we won’t resent it. We will understand the great rewards that await all who have chosen the narrow and difficult way that leads to eternal life.
While we are walking that path, let’s make sure someone else hears the same message and take them with us. How will they know the way unless they first hear it from us? After all, faith comes from hearing…
Listen selectively,
jamie
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
considering the word 