Technology has certainly come a long way over the years. Some experts believe that computer keyboards will become obsolete in the near future as more and more functions become voice-activated. Instead of typing a letter, we will just speak the words tht will be printed off or sent as an e-mail. Some companies have already developed software that does not require much traditional typing. It is thought that devices will so permeate daily life that instead of pressing buttons and turning dials, we will just speak instructions to everything from the television to the toaster. When we speak it will be done.

A device that is designed to accept voice commands only does so beause it it programmed that way. It is interesting to consider that God could have made us this way. Instead, however, He gave us the choice of whether or not we will listen and obey. He gave us a mind to think and a will that is able to choose.

James urged us to obey God every time He speaks to us through His Word. He wrote: "Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (Jas. 1:22). Self-deception comes when we listen to God's Word without doing what it says. We quickly forget what the Lord shows us about ourselves and wander along our way unchanged. It is easy for us to forget that our own way leads to death (Prov. 14:12; 16:25) but God's way is higher and better than our own (Isa. 55:8,9).

It is natural to want God to hear and answer us, but the greater issue is whether we listen and respond to Him. Does God have our attention today? Are we choosing to listen to His voice or are we too caught up in our own?

By Shane Williams in The Lilbourn Light, Vol. 13, No. 2, July, 2011.