As I’ve gotten older I’ve began to notice the little conversations in my head. The little voice usually appears when I have a decision to make.
I know what the right decision is.
But I’m tempted.
Then the little voice starts talking.
It says something along the lines of: “It’s okay just this once.” or “It’s not that big of a deal.”
That’s the voice of the enemy. And I’m learning to recognize it and say no.
I want you to learn to recognize it too.
What does the Bible says about doing right?
It says a lot actually.
The Bible tells countless stories of people failing to do what is right. People that think they know what is right. It shows the consequences when the wrong decision is made.
But it shows that even if we make wrong decisions, our God is there waiting for us with open arms to forgive us. He knows we will always make wrong decisions. It’s part of our sinful nature.
So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
But he offers a solution through Jesus. Only he can begin to work in our hearts and change us.
Once you let him work in your heart, it gets easier to do the right thing.
It gets easier to recognize the voice of the enemy.
Do what is right in the sight of God?
The Bible tells us what is right and what is wrong. It is written down in a book. Anyone can read it.
There’s no debating. There’s no middle ground. It’s either right or wrong.
As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.
But the world today says that evil is good. And Good is evil. It’s backwards.
What we see in the news today is not new. It’s been happening since the beginning of time. Children aren’t taught true history in school, so they don’t know to look out for these traps. Our children fall in to the trap of not knowing what is right or wrong. They think wrong is right. And anything good is only good because someone has been wronged.
Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!
The problem with right and wrong not being taught means that people can say whatever they want is right. And it always changes.
It’s okay with me. It’s right in my eyes. I’m not hurting anyone.
But it will hurt someone eventually.
That’s the problem.
Don’t be deceived.
How to recognize the enemy’s voice
It will be easier to make the right decisions once you learn to recognize the enemy’s voice.
But let me first start with our Lord’s voice.
Here are some characteristics of our Father’s voice:
- Listen for Him when you’re still and silent. He speaks when we aren’t listening for Him. He will speak more when we learn His voice more and look for Him.
- He brings feelings of peace and calm. You’ll feel a calm, quiet, peacefulness as a response to His voice.
- He is felt in your heart. Try to notice what your heart feels when you hear Him.
The enemy’s voice:
- I’ve learned to notice a pushing or pulling feeling associated with the enemy’s voice. The same feeling you get with anxiety.
- It can also be the feeling you get when you have a strong desire or temptation.
- It’s not peaceful. It’s like the feeling you get when you have an urge to do something.
- I’ll feel a tightness or uneasiness. I’ll feel unsettled.
- I usually feel it in my stomach.
Just begin to notice the thoughts in your head and the feelings associated with them. The more you begin to notice the easier it will get.
Pay attention when you have a decision to make. Especially when it’s a decision between right and wrong. That’s when the enemy will work.
But you’ll learn to be more prepared next time.
You’ll know what the enemy’s voice sounds like.
And you’ll say no.
I will do the right thing this time.
But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.