We’ve all been there.
Uncertain. Weighing the options. Back and forth. Pros and cons. This person’s advice, then that person’s advice. Conflicting thoughts. Confusion.
Let’s face it. Confusion is a part of life. People are not all-knowing. We battle the what ifs and what should I dos all the time. But confusion shouldn’t be our life. In fact, as we mature, confusion should become less prevalent since the Truth brings clarity.
“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” Ps. 119:105
“But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.” Eph 5:13
One of the most common struggles of the growing believers I’m around is confusion. I’d say it’s most common in those who are still young and at transitional stages of life, but there are plenty of older Christians beyond transition who seem to live in a state of confusion. Let’s call it what it is. Bondage.
I love teaching. Bible studies, that is. Not a classroom. I am not and could never be a classroom teacher. My teaching opportunities have always been limited to a group of about 10-15 young adult women who *thankfully* aren’t too impressionable and have a lot of grace for my limited knowledge and maturity.
Ever since high school I’ve been leading small group women’s studies such as this. I love, love, love it. I just love being involved in someone else’s spiritual growth. Going through the baby steps of new faith with them, chuckling at the gigantic enthusiasm of someone who is determined to win over their whole family and group of friends instantly. Helping carry the burdens of anxiety, loneliness and depression. Hearing stories that progress from hopelessness to victory. Seeing them begin to take on responsibilities for others themselves. Watching them challenge themselves to new levels of service and faith. I honestly think this is what Jesus meant by an abundant life. Suffering with one while exulting in the triumphs of another. Never a dull moment, that’s for sure…
Anytime I’m on a journalistic assignment for work, especially if it’s “hard news” I take my handy voice recorder with me in addition to the old-fashioned yellow legal pad and pen. I find the most effective way to record the information is to use both devices rather than one or the other. When you’re responsible for publishing the facts - unskewed - for thousands of eyes to see, you take the task of recording and documenting very seriously. An error can get your publishing business a good scolding and a retraction. A major error can get you sued.
So you can imagine my frustration when I return to my desk with my multiple recording devices ready to give the community an accurate summary only to turn on my voice recorder and hear very LOUD buzzing and crackling above a tiny, hardly-audible voice stuffed somewhere in the sonic chaos. White noise. It is the bane of a reporter’s existence. It means I spend triple the amount of time pulling direct quotes and tidbits of interest from the recording with my headphone earbuds shoved as close to my eardrums as I can get them, usually rewinding and playing back three or four times per interview question. It also means if I’m not very careful, I’ll miss important pieces because I can’t make heads or tails of what the voice is saying. My report will be flawed. The information will be incomplete. And what will spread throughout the community will only be a partial truth.
Flawed hearing is also problematic to spiritual maturity.
