Learning what to Ignore

by: Bruce Nevin Haines

“When He puts all his own sheep outside, He goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow Him because they know His voice. However, a stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.” 
(John 10:4-5) 

Is there a passion within you so deeply ingrained that you feel you were born to do it? Whether it is creative arts, music, engineering, whatever the field may be, there can be a compelling drive to create, invent, problem solve, accomplish etc., that makes us feel more alive.  
In the movie “Chariots of Fire” the character Eric Liddell, an Olympic Gold medalist, states the following to his sister: “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.” Eric became a missionary to China after winning that Gold Medal. But He gave great glory to God on the World Stage, by running that race in the Olympics too. I believe that when we fulfill our purposes and passions, our Father God is pleased.  

All of our God-given passions and pursuits are met with a host of advisors, ready to criticize, critique, and point out the correct/best way to succeed in our creative efforts. For me the Nashville music scene eventually became a place of great discouragement. In a similar way Carole has been flooded with advice on finding the next steps to take to become a “successful” writer. So, what do we do with these passions, and creative gifts that we feel are God-given? And more importantly, how do we now make use of these gifts to fulfill God’s purpose?  In my 45 years of a creatively compelled life, here is what I feel God is saying:    Listen to God’s Voice and learn what to ignore.

John 10:4-5 reveals that we are to listen to the Voice of Our Good Shepherd Jesus, and to ignore the voice of strangers.  If you are flooded with advice or criticism that does nothing but discourage you, it’s time to ask, “What voice am I listening to?” Then follow God’s leading and ignore the voice of strangers. Your approach or style may not fit in with the “standard.” Neither did Jesus, and thank God he didn’t. I think that when it comes to work done in the Kingdom of God, we are not called to take any worldly advice. “It’s never been done that way before,” kind of advice. Do not hesitate to follow God’s leading. Listen to the Voice of Your Good Shepherd, Jesus. 

“When He puts all his own sheep outside, He goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow Him because they know His voice. However, a stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.” 
(John 10:4-5) 

Are you continually driven to find a different approach to solve a problem? Do you feel compelled to create in an entirely unique way? Well-meaning advice may end up limiting you. Let God’s Spirit teach you and guide you to the path that He wants you on. Ignore everything else except the Voice of Your Good Shepherd. Have a Blessed Day.