The first voice we hear comes from God. This is the voice that invites us to do good and be better. It promotes morality and prosocial behavior. Prosocial behavior is acting in a way that benefits others. This is basically the “science-y” term used to summarize the Beatitudes. Doing acts of service, giving charitably, praying for others, sharing people’s burdens, obeying the rules and laws of society that make it a safer place for everyone, etc. This is the voice that prompts you to ask someone who looks like they have been crying if they are alright, or urges you to help the person whose car is stuck in the snow. This is the voice that points out your moral weaknesses and invites you to improve through feelings of Edifying-Guilt. You can find a more detailed article about this here. The short version is that healthy guilt sticks around until we commit to do better and outline a plan, then it vanishes.
God's voice also offers healing and comfort. This is one of the specific roles of the Holy Ghost.
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:26-27).
The second voice that we hear is our own voice. We will often hear the other voices as we ponder choices, but it is our own voice that makes the final decision. The other voices can entice and persuade, but they cannot make decisions for us. Our voice makes decisions based on input from our bodies, our past experiences, the voices of God and Satan, and other sources.
The third voice comes from the Adversary. This is the voice of temptation, discouragement, shame, and unrighteous judgment of others. He promotes selfish behavior and feelings of superiority and enmity towards ourselves or others. He encourages you to justify your behavior so you don't have to improve. When you want to become better he inspires corrosive or unedifying guilt, also known as shame. You can read more about that here. Satan has a seductive voice that carefully lures us to do the “fun” things that lead to painful consequences and moral depravity. Usually, these things don't look that menacing, they seem innocent and entertaining. They may often begin as simply choosing to do something fun instead of something that needs to be done. These things are advertised as "freeing" while God's recommended course is labeled as constricting.
As we listen to either God or Satan, we will be able to hear their voice more and the other voice will be heard less. However, neither voice is ever truly gone. Even if someone dedicates their life to following the depraved suggestions of Satan, God will still speak to them from time to time inviting them to do better.
The tricky thing is, all three voices “sound” the same when they are in the realm of thought. It is very difficult to distinguish which thought came from which voice, but with practice, it becomes easier. The prophet Mormon gave us a "pH test" to determine which voice is which. Moroni 7:12-13, 16-17 says-
Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.
But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, everything which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.
For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for everything which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.
But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.
When it's hard to recognize which voice you are hearing, consider whether or not the voice is inviting you to do good for other people.
Once you know about the three voices we each hear it is important to practice recognizing the differences between them. One way to do this is with what I call a Discernment Journal. I didn't create this form of writing, but I do think it is powerful and helpful. You begin by reflecting on some of the thoughts you had throughout the day. Write down at least 3 of them in as much detail as you can recall. Then practice discerning which voice the thought came from. If you do this every day then you will soon be able to recognize which voice you are hearing as you hear it.
As you learn to recognize the three voices we each hear, it will become easier for you to act in alignment with your values. You will more readily recognize the promptings and revelations that come from God. You will be able to quickly identify the interference of the Adversary and will know how to cast him out. You will progress much more quickly towards becoming the man or woman you would like to be.
To hire me as your life coach where we can create a plan to put the above principles into practice for you, follow this link. Fighting Like a Dragon - Life Coaching
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