Devotions this week are based on Week 4 How Would You Answer (WATCH HERE)
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).
Jesus gives one final and clear distinction. Every voice leads somewhere. Over time, its results become clear.
The voice of the thief leads to destruction. It may not be immediate, but it is inevitable. What begins as something small grows into something harmful. The voice portrays the activity as something fun or beneficial, cool or engaging, but when our heart is trapped by it, the outcome is destruction.
The Apostle Paul put it this way in Galatians 5:19-21: The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
These are not signs of life. They are signs of decay.
In contrast, the voice of Jesus leads to life. Not just existence, but fullness. The voice of Jesus that affects our heart is a voice that leads to blessing, not destruction. Again the Apostle Paul speaks to the result of the Spirit at work which stands in stark contrast to the work of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-25 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
These are the marks of a life shaped by the voice of the Good Shepherd.
Make no mistake, the voice you follow will shape the life you experience.
This does not mean life will be easy. But it will be full in the ways that matter most. It will be full of peace, joy, forgiveness, grace, and eternal hope.
To listen to Him is to move in the direction of the full life Jesus promises to give!
Reflect: What kind of fruit is growing in my life right now? What voice have I been following to produce that?
Prayer: Jesus, lead me into the life You promise. Help me follow Your voice and trust that it leads to what is truly good. Amen.