Who Do you Believe?

Is it just me; or does everyone have “that” friend? You know, the friend who will tell you only what you want to hear. It is easy to seek out this kind of friend. They will stroke your ego, and make you feel better about yourself. They do not confront you on your sin, or tell you when you are making unwise decisions. Instead, their quest for friendship is stronger than their desire for your best. Truth spoken in love is more beneficial than flattery spoken in a lie.

Maybe you don’t struggle with flattery. Perhaps you have the opposite issue. When your close friends try to encourage you, do you listen; or do you just tell yourself that they are being too kind? Do you ignore compliments and encouragement? Whether you love to hear flattery, or you struggle with low self-esteem, either side shows up the sin of pride. So often in my mind, I hear compliments whispered and criticisms shouted. I want to believe something differently about myself than what God says. Perhaps, like me, you catch yourself dwelling on the negative voices. The sad thing is that our flesh truly does not want to believe the promises in God’s Word. I plead with you to listen to truth.

Pride will destroy you, Proverbs 16:18.

Flattery is but a net for your feet, Proverbs 29:5.

You are His child, Romans 8:17.

You are forgiven, 1 John 1:9.

Sanctification is a process, 2 Corinthians 3:18.

Jesus chose death to provide you life, Romans 5:10.

Jesus came to bring abundant life, John 10:10.

Under Christ’s blood, you are free from condemnation, Romans 8:1.

God’s Word provides instruction, rebuke, healing, hope, direction, worth, and redemption.

You cannot listen to all of the voices around you. The world will bombard you with statements about yourself. They will tell you if you are pretty, financially stable, fashionable, healthy, worthy of love, a good parent, or even a good person in general. You must seek truth. The truth is that God knows you intimately, and He still loves you. God is not finished with you, yet. When you listen to the lies and the negative voices, you need to hit a reset button. A great verse to help with that is Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”  

Do you listen to the flatterer? Do you listen to the critical person? With what kind of voices do you surround yourself? Do you listen to godly, spiritual influences? Are you seeking and listening to truth? Who has the loudest voice in your ear?  

About Shelly

Growing up with a strong Christian family, Shelly has had the privilege of having many godly, influential people in her life. Besides going to college in Indiana and teaching school for 1 year in Texas, she has lived in Minnesota her whole life. Recently, she moved to Colorado after meeting her husband on E-Harmony. She is extremely humbled by how the Almighty God works in our lives in such personal ways. Shelly is now a missionary to college students. She is thrilled with the opportunity to share the gospel with college students, to help them grow in their faith, and to encourage them to be sold out servants for God. She enjoys coffee, books, volleyball, bike rides, movies, long walks, and playing games. 

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