Competing Voices

Proverbs 4:10-13

Growing up my mom used to take us to the state fair. One of the things we would do is wander around the midway. The ground was covered in woodchips and sawdust. There were rides twirling and lights flashing and music blaring. All along the perimeter were vendors with various ways to win the big prize by throwing something, shooting something, or some other clever way to win. I vividly remember all the voices of the people working these booths yelling at us to try this and do that to win the big prize. At times it felt overwhelming as a child.

I think a lot of people feel that way today. There are competing voices yelling at us all day long what to do and believe. If you don’t fall in line, there are more voices to yell us back into submission. There was a time when most of the voices seemed more aligned. For example, your parent, teacher, coach, guidance counselor, doctor, employer, and scout leader all generally agreed on a basic standard of morality. It felt like they were on the same team. Today it’s the opposite. These have become competing voices telling you what to believe and how to live your life. Add to that all of the voices on the internet and social media and it can be overwhelming.

I get discouraged by Christians who are so deeply influenced by voices that lack credibility. These voices tap into something we’re feeling and fuel emotions and passions that are contrary to wisdom. We end up believing because we want to believe, not because we’re convinced it’s true. The Bible refers to this as “tickling our ears.” How many Christians live more influenced by the voices of the culture than the truth of God’s Word? That’s a recipe for disaster. What I want to hear may be contrary to what I need to hear.

So, what’s a person to do? The writer of Proverbs says, Hear, my son, and accept my sayings and the years of your life will be many. I have directed you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in upright paths. The imagery is of a father pleading with his son to listen to his voice. As we’ve seen, Proverbs is filled with exhortations to listen and learn. 

But this one adds a helpful dimension. The father puts himself forward as an example to follow. He has not only directed his son down the right path, but he has also shown him the way. He has made himself the example to follow. Skillful living comes to life when we see it lived in others. There are two sides to this I’d like to explore.

The first is to be mindful of the voices we listen to. You don’t have to stroll through the midway and be yelled at. When Patti and I used to take the girls to the state fair we avoided the midway. There were a lot of other things to do rather than subject ourselves to that endless noise. All our devices have an off switch. They don’t have to be on all day. I would encourage you to be very mindful of who you allow to speak into your life. When they influence your life, you’re choosing to follow them.

So, here’s a question to ponder: Do you listen to particular voices because you admire their character and lifestyle and you want to emulate this person? Or do you listen because this person taps into your emotions and stirs you up in some way? Maybe this person tells you what you want to hear? The writer of Proverbs puts forth the credibility of his life as a compelling reason to listen to him. 

When we are talking about someone we are allowing to influence our lives, wouldn’t it be best to listen to someone who models the life you are wanting for yourself? We can do better than just listening to people who tell us what we want to hear. We need people who live skillful lives to show us how to live better. Anyone can stir your emotions and there is no shortage of people out to deceive you. Skillful living requires we choose the voices we listen to. 

Secondly, are you someone that can say to others I have led you in upright paths? Are you comfortable identifying yourself as that person someone else should follow? It’s easy to sound all humble, kick a pebble and deflect the question, but that’s not helpful. Sincere younger Christians need mentors to follow. God has made us to learn that way. 

One very practical way to assess how skillfully you are living is to measure how comfortable you are inviting others to emulate your life. If you are uncomfortable, why? What needs to change? Whatever causes you to hesitate needs to be addressed. It’s time to deal with it. A part of skillful living involves leading others down the same path. That keeps us growing in wisdom as well. Nobody is perfect. We all have flaws, but we can still influence others down the right path.

Here is how the Proverb describes the benefit of following the right person. When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; and if you run, you will not stumble. Take hold of instruction; do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life. That seems pretty serious to me. 

When it comes to walking in the way of wisdom, you need to find that person to follow and be that person for others to follow. Pick your voices. Deal with your stuff. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Let’s do this for ourselves and for others looking for someone to follow.