The Voice

There is a voice inside of you

That whispers all day long,

“I feel this is right for me, I know that this is wrong.”

No teacher, preacher, parent, friend Or wise man can decide

What’s right for you–just listen to The voice that speaks inside.” ― Shel Silverstein

Like the short poem by Shel Silverstein, Jesus’ words from Matthew 10:25 became the ‘voice that speaks inside,’ my head.  In this passage, I read Jesus’ instructions to his twelve disciples. This day he gave them ‘authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.’ The list is pretty comprehensive—even handling what to do if people didn’t receive them, or their teaching. My eyes slowed down and lingered over verse 25. Jesus said, “It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master.”

Is it enough?

These words brought a message back to me, a student, disciple, and learner of Christ. In my head and heart I heard, Is it enough?  Is it enough, Linda, for you to be like Christ–your teacher? If it is, why are you always striving for more?  Why do you feel the tasks I give you are not enough?

At first I was puzzled. In my prayer conversation, I commented. Really LORD?  I want to be like you more than anything else in the world, but so many things distract and cloud my desire. Help me to understand.

As a natural-born overachiever and one who strives relentlessly for that which is just beyond my reach, I seem to always be asking questions, seeking answers, learning new things–so I wasn’t entirely surprised by the question: ‘Is it enough?’ Today, Christ’s words kept probing: Is it enough—to be My student, to be like Me? What else are you seeking? What are you striving for?

I don’t know about you, but I am guilty of seeking out others in this world to be like. When I was young, it was a dynamic movie star I admired, or fashion model. Later, it became a favorite teacher or public speaker. I have been guilty of wanting to emulate my fellow humans ever since I was in first grade! Frail and as sinful as they were, I have wanted to be like just them, right down to even speaking, laughing or acting like them in certain circumstances. Have you ever been guilty of the same?

IS it enough?

Today as I ponder the words of Jesus to his first disciples, my heart and mind are conflicted. I want to challenge the questions posed by ‘the voice that speaks inside’. (Yes, I realize it is the Holy Spirit’s voice.) Am I emulating Christ–and IS it enough . . . to be like Him? As I ponder, more questions form in the grey matter under my skull.

• Is this all I really need?
• Don’t I need more teaching?
• Shouldn’t I continue to learn better techniques, observe and emulate new models?
• Is it enough? What about all the new, cutting-edge technology, and the suave methods that promise success?
• What more do I need?

Is IT enough?

Is Christ’s sacrificial life, His message, His mission and commission to us—His 21st century disciples, enough? Is it enough for me to commit my life to, as His early disciples did? Is it enough to live for? To die for?

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

Is it ENOUGH . . .?

Is it enough to be like Him—my Supreme role model–the ‘author and perfecter of my faith’? Is there something else/someone else, in addition, that I should be pursuing? Is it enough to allow Him to live His life through mine, right here on earth? Shouldn’t I be doing something too? The questions seem to answer themselves as my mental query runs along a Biblical path. I sigh. My whispered prayer becomes:

“Lord, let me hear Your words each day, and listen to the voice inside that whispers the truths You want me to know. Let my heart respond with —“Yes! It is enough.” Quiet my striving, searching heart and let it rest in You and in You alone. I sit at your feet to learn of You, and from You, Master Teacher. Thank you for reminding me, just as you did your first disciples, that ‘it is enough for the student to be like his teacher. . .’What more could I possibly need?”

Thank you for stopping by my blog-site today. I hope something you read has touched your heart, and resonated with the voice in side your head. Listen to it, and be blessed.Leave a comment so others will be able to know how you were blessed. All God’s best, to you and those you love. Linda K. Bridges