Who Told You That?

Kal and I watched “Bird Box” on Netflix and I was struck by how the evil forces deceive the humans.  When the monsters are trying to get the humans to commit suicide, they hear the “voices” of their loved ones calling out to them and urging them on to the dark side.  In the opening scene of chaos, the kind woman who runs out to help pregnant Malorie hears her dead mother calling her.  Later, Malorie hears her dead sister, then her boyfriend Tom calling out to her.  

It takes great focus and determination for any of these characters to resist these voices. Most don’t.  Malorie knows she has to listen for the birds to lead her to safety, not the voices, but she still is so compellingly drawn to the voices.  

This reminded me of the first question posed in “The Quest” by Beth Moore:  Who told you that?  Beth challenges us to explore our beliefs about ourselves by figuring out who told us that idea.  Did it come from a parent?  School friend?  Teacher? Fashion magazine? Internet “expert”? Spouse? Popular celebrity speaker? Preacher?  It could even be someTHING that told you a lie:  Poverty?  Illness? Disability? Relationship failures? 

If it didn’t come from God, it’s not the truth.  Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” John 14:6   It’s not a condemning truth.  John 1:17 clarifies “Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”  And Jesus himself said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32.

I want to be free from any lies my culture has fed me about myself or my God.  I want to see truth.  I want to hear God’s voice above all the clamor of Satan’s lies.  Even our loved ones can tell us lies unintentionally.  They are deceived by “the father of lies” (John 8:44) just like we are.  We can’t listen to their voices, either, unless they agree with God.  

So go to the only source of Truth.  Read the Bible and ask God to to let you hear HIS voice.