September 9, 2025
John 10:27
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
We live in a world of constant commentary. News cycles, social media, influencers, podcasts, politicians, even well-meaning friends, family, and coworkers, it seems everyone has something to say. But amid the noise and chatter around us one question stands out: Whose voice is shaping our lives?
In John 10, Jesus presents Himself as the Good Shepherd. His sheep, he says, recognize His voice not for its volume, but because they trust the tone, the truth, and the tender care reflected in His call.
The challenge for us is that many voices today imitate the Shepherd, they are offering fulfillment, identity, success, and belonging. However, truth be told, they often lead to confusion, compromise, and spiritual exhaustion. As one author put it, "the enemy doesn’t always roar; sometimes he whispers in ways that strikingly resemble the truth."
Here are some examples:
Consumerism / Materialism
Voice says: “If you just buy this, upgrade that, or achieve financial success, you’ll finally be content.”
Result: Temporary satisfaction, but deeper emptiness, debt, and chasing the next “fix.”
Social Media Influence / Popularity
Voice says: “Your worth comes from likes, followers, and how others perceive you online.”
Result: Anxiety, comparison, fragile identity.
Political or Cultural Movements
Voice says: “If you follow this ideology or align with this group, you’ll find purpose and belonging."
Result: Division, disillusionment, or compromised faith when ultimate loyalty isn’t to Christ.
Each of these voices imitates the Shepherd because they offer a sense of fulfillment, identity, or belonging. But in the end, they don’t give life, they drain it.
Consumerism / Materialism
Voice says: “If you just buy this, upgrade that, or achieve financial success, you’ll finally be content.”
Result: Temporary satisfaction, but deeper emptiness, debt, and chasing the next “fix.”
Social Media Influence / Popularity
Voice says: “Your worth comes from likes, followers, and how others perceive you online.”
Result: Anxiety, comparison, fragile identity.
Political or Cultural Movements
Voice says: “If you follow this ideology or align with this group, you’ll find purpose and belonging."
Result: Division, disillusionment, or compromised faith when ultimate loyalty isn’t to Christ.
Each of these voices imitates the Shepherd because they offer a sense of fulfillment, identity, or belonging. But in the end, they don’t give life, they drain it.
So we find ourselves between the voices of Cultural Pressure and Kingdom Perspective trying to discern our way, as we Consider the Source of the messages.
The difference is clear, I believe, one path focuses on self-glorification, while the other embraces surrender, transformation, and the hope of eternal life.
Today, let us take inventory of the voices influencing us.
What are we reading, watching, listening to?
Who are we allowing to shape our beliefs, our identity, our decisions?
Then ask: Do these voices echo the Good Shepherd, or are they leading us somewhere else?
The difference is clear, I believe, one path focuses on self-glorification, while the other embraces surrender, transformation, and the hope of eternal life.
Today, let us take inventory of the voices influencing us.
What are we reading, watching, listening to?
Who are we allowing to shape our beliefs, our identity, our decisions?
Then ask: Do these voices echo the Good Shepherd, or are they leading us somewhere else?
Let's Pray
Lord, teach me to recognize Your voice above all others.
Help me to quiet the noise around me and within me.
Give me discernment to reject false narratives and courage to follow You, even when the path is narrow.
I want to be Your sheep—not just in name, but in practice. Amen.
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