Hearing and Sharing God's Word

It dawned on me today that due to the advent of the internet and social media, opinions have never been less or more influential at the same time.  People's views are broadcasted so frequently and cheaply they don't matter much, and people are hungry and thirsty for likes to build personal platforms.  Going viral has led to instant fame, and public outcry can lead to dismissal akin to social banishment.  Despite the facade of social media friendship many still feel desperately lonely, their lives hanging by the thread of superficial connections.

In contrast to the shifting sands of public interest and sentiment, God's word remains sure and absolute, rooted in God's wisdom that encompasses all that matters.  In the Bible, God does not give us His opinions but unchanging judgments concerning what is true.  He has given mankind freedom to choose what we will believe, who we will follow and what voices we will listen to.  I have observed the voices we listen to are the ones we will often repeat as relevant to us and others.  I love that the almighty God does not need to raise His voice to be heard, but in a quiet voice is able to communicate timeless truth with those who know Him.  Jesus said in John 10:27-28, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. ²⁸ And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand."

One challenge we face is allowing man's ways or opinions to sway us from what God has said plainly in His word.  Even faithful followers of Jesus can be distracted from what our LORD has said, similar to how David was influenced by Saul's proud example.  After David's men returned from an interaction with Nabal who spoke harshly to them, David sounded much like Saul as he went to avenge himself and spouted an oath in 1 Samuel 25:22:  "May God do so, and more also, to the enemies of David, if I leave one male of all who belong to him by morning light."  In that moment, David reacted to the unflattering opinions of Nabal and forgot the LORD who anointed him as king and would provide for the needs of he and his men.  How quickly we can be swayed from peace and rest in God by man's ways and words!

David wrote concerning God's word in Psalm 19:7-11:  "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; ⁸ the statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; ⁹ the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. ¹⁰ More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. ¹¹ Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward."  Better than sharing our opinions on a matter is to speak forth what God has plainly spoken, for His word is perfect, right, enlightening, precious, valuable, sweet and rewarding.