Tuesday, January 11, 2011

A Call to Discipline

"We are usually surrounded by so much inner and outer noise that it is hard to truly hear our God when he is speaking to us. ... Thus our lives become absurd.  In the word absurd we find the Latin word surdus which means deaf. A spiritual life requires discipline because we need to learn to listen to God, who constantly speaks but we seldom hear. ... The word obedient comes from the Latin word audier, which means listening."
 - Henry Nouwen


  1. This is so true! But at the same time.. It's very hard for me to know when I'm hearing from God or not. People say that if you don't hear from God you are hearing from the devil.. but I don't really believe that either. What do you think? LMB

  2. I don't think there's some kind of clear-cut answer to how you know if you're hearing from God or not. It's not like I can tell you, "God speaks in a deep, resounding tenor voice and He has a Midwestern accent" or anything. He's still God. He knows how to communicate. When He talks to you, you'll know it--if you're listening.

    As far as the devil goes, don't give him too much credit. He isn't like God. He can only be in one place at a time, and it would be terribly rare that he would spend much time on any one person, especially if you aren't a person of great influence. Therefore, I would advise you not to be so concerned with the devil and be more aware of your own inner nature. Key concept for you to consider: depravity versus entire sanctification.


  3. Thanks for your answer! really appreciated it!