Well, living all around us are people that give conflicting advice to the Christian. How do you know who to listen to and who to tune out? The Scripture declares in Proverbs 18:13, "The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice." A mature Christian is able to recognize and accept good advice.

Jesus proclaimed in John 10:27, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." With all of the different voices that beckon us to follow them, we need to be able to recognize and listen to the voice of The Good Shepherd. Since we belong to His flock we should be characterized by obedience and allegiance to Him. Jesus had already stated earlier in John 10:4b-5 " . . . his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." The Lord's sheep would never follow a stranger because his voice would be unfamiliar. Even if a stranger should use the shepherd's call and try to imitate his tone, the flock would instantly detect the difference and would scatter in panic.

When you’re faced with a difficult decision, how do you respond? Are you familiar enough with the Words of Jesus that you know His voice and at the same time you can recognize the empty words of advice that the world often gives us?

Get into God’s Word and stay in it on a daily basis. See you in Bible Class this week.