Cut Out the Noise

He who belongs to God hears what God says.  John 8:47 (NIV)

Props: cell phone, ipod (or mp3 player), TV

Preparation: Prepare a volunteer to come out listening to an ipod in one ear, talking on the phone in the other ear and watching TV.  Try to talk to her throughout the lesson. 

            The Bible says, “He who belongs to God hears what God says” (John 8:47 NIV).  That means God has some very important things to say to you!  He speaks to you when you pray, when you worship and when you read the Bible.  However, there is a problem that keeps some people from hearing God when He tries to speak to them: too much other noise. 

Oh look, there’s (call volunteer’s name).  I’ve needed to talk to her.  (Call volunteer’s name.  Have her ignore you, pretending not to hear you because of all the noise).  That’s funny.  I can’t get her attention.  Oh, I see.  She’s on the phone…and listening to music…and watching TV.  No wonder she doesn’t hear me.  (Stand in front of the volunteer and wave your arms to try to get her attention.  She turns off the TV, takes out her earphones and hangs up the phone).  Finally I have her attention.  What did she have to do before she could hear me?  (Allow for response).  Right…get rid of all the distracting noise.  And we need to do the same if we are going to hear God’s voice.   

            Talking on the phone isn’t wrong.  Listening to good music and watching good television programs is not a sin.  But when we listen to music and watch TV and talk to our friends all day, from the minute we get up until we go to sleep, we’ll never have time to stop and listen to God.  You have to learn to get quiet before the Lord so you can hear what He wants to say to you.  When I am praying, I don’t talk to my friends at the same time.  And when I am trying to hear what God wants to say to me, I don’t watch the television.  I have a special time that belongs just to God.  It is important for you to take time and let God talk to you.  Talk to Him and then get quiet and let Him talk to you.  Learn to listen to God’s voice.  Take time for Him to talk to you.