Defining Voices

They blare in our headphones, they shine out from our devices: defining voices of this world. They come subtly, yet suddenly, averting our gaze from where it should be. The voices of this world try to define who we are apart from Jesus. They redirect our eyes to worthless lies. We get distracted by these voices that try to tell us who we should be, so much so that we start to believe their lies aren’t lies at all, but reality. They tell us we should look a certain way, act a certain way, and be a certain way. They distract us from the Way, which is the only way that really matters. It is vital to redirect our eyes to Jesus: the Way, the Truth, and the Life because the things of this world don’t have to define us. Whether you realize it or not, you are either a child of the darkness—who is defined by the futile voices of this world—or you are a child of the light—who has been chosen, defined, and dearly loved by Jesus, the True King. That is why we as God’s children need to slow down and take time to dwell on the truth that Jesus is God, the King of the world (1 Timothy 1:16-17). He is the One who defines us. When we spend time with Him—by reading His Book, the Bible, and by gathering with His people, the church—we have the opportunity to remember again and again that He indeed is God and that we are His children. And because we are no longer children of darkness, we are no longer defined by the voices of this world. • Emma Pamer • When we let things other than Jesus define us, we lose our focus. What things in your life divert your eyes from Jesus? • In your own life, when has Christ redirected your eyes to Himself? How can you honor Christ in whatever you do (1 Corinthians 10:31)? • Read Romans 8:1-17, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, and 1 Peter 2:9. As Christians, who are we in Jesus? You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 (CSB)

Read Verses:

Psalm 46:10; John 14:6; 1 John 5:19-20