5/10/25 Testing What You Hear

Takeaway: Aligning everything with Scripture.

Opening Prayer (Saturday)

Father, thank You for the gift of rest. As I slow down today, help me to find peace in You. Restore my soul, deepen my faith, and renew my joy in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection

In a world overflowing with voices, we are constantly challenged to discern what is true from what is false. Every day we are bombarded with messages: through social media, news outlets, podcasts, sermons, books, and even the whispers of our own hearts. These voices often come cloaked in wisdom or spiritual language, sometimes quoting scripture, but not all that claims to be from God truly is. That is why the apostle John gave a direct and sobering command: test the spirits. He knew that discernment was not optional but essential for the spiritual health of the believer. The instruction is not just to be cautious but to actively evaluate what we hear, especially when it is presented as spiritual truth.

The standard for this testing is not our emotions, our preferences, or cultural popularity; it is the Word of God. Scripture is our divine plumb line in conflicting ideologies and teachings. Everything we hear must be measured against the unchanging truth of God’s Word. This is especially important in an age when even well-meaning Christians can fall into error by following charismatic leaders, popular opinions, or emotionally moving messages that deviate from the gospel. If a teaching denies the divinity of Christ, or contradicts the commands and character of God revealed in scripture, it must not be believed. Our commitment must be to God’s truth above all else, even when it challenges our comfort or culture.

Moreover, aligning what we hear with Scripture is not just about protecting ourselves from false teachers—it is about cultivating a deeper relationship with Christ. The more we immerse ourselves in the Bible, the more clearly we hear His voice amid the noise. We begin to recognize the cadence of God’s truth and the character of His kingdom. Our spiritual maturity will help us discern when something is ‘off’, even if we can’t immediately explain why. The goal is not merely to refute error but to grow in truth, love, and spiritual maturity.

So, as you go through your day, be intentional about what you listen to, what you believe, and what you repeat. Let scripture be your filter and foundation. Test the spirits, and other voices in your life, so that you not stay rooted in Christ and faithful to the gospel. In doing so, you will not only guard your heart but also become a clearer witness to the truth in a world longing for something real.

Question

What are some of the common voices or messages in your life that influence your thoughts and beliefs—both positively and negatively?

Application

Find a trusted spiritual mentor or friend to help you discern and grow in truth together.

Closing Prayer

Lord God, in a world full of noise and confusion, help me to hear Your voice above all others. Give me wisdom and discernment to test what I hear against the truth of Your Word. Keep me grounded in scripture so I may not be led astray by false teaching or popular opinion. Teach me to love truth, to walk in humility, and to grow in spiritual maturity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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