Hearing God Through the YearSample

Working Interdependently

“But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’” Matthew 18:16 (NIV)

Those experienced in the Way of Christ know it is somehow right, when trying to hear God, to look at the Bible, inner impulses of the Spirit and circumstances. None of the three lights alone is sufficient—multiple “witnesses” reveal truth (2 Corinthians 13:1; 1 Timothy 5:19).

Checking a decision against only the Bible can be fruitless because the Bible may have nothing to say on the topic. The veracity of a spiritual impulse is weighed by whether or not it confesses Jesus as Lord or Son of God (1 Corinthians 12:3; 1 John 4:2-3). Neither of these tests is helpful in practice when we are trying to decide, for example, whom to marry or which job to take. The “light” of open or closed doors of circumstances cannot function independently of the other two lights, for one does not know who is opening or closing these doors—God, Satan or another human being. These three lights correct each other. To work them out practically means realizing they are interdependent.

REFLECTION: Practice using the three lights. Regarding a current decision you are facing, be attentive to these three witnesses who have not heard each other’s testimonies. Ask God to help you be open and attentive in this process.