Hear God, rely on God, obey God

An ongoing theme in the Bible is the constant spiritual war between God and the world. Satan lies, God tells the truth, we fall on either side of them. Whose side you're on will determine who you listen to.

Jesus made similar statements during His ministry. His true disciples are known by our fruits (Matthew 7:16-20), by our love for each other (John 13:35), by our love for our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48), and by our obedience to Christ, aided by the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-18).

And this is how we verify our own faith. When God speaks, we listen. When the world speaks, we listen to God. We speak what God has spoken, and the world rejects us for it. Does this sound like you? Compare your beliefs to the Scriptures, then compare them to the world. Who do you resemble more? If the Lord, good. If the world, you have some repenting to do.

But there is good news. 1. you recognise this. If you so desire to choose God over the world that when you realise you have not been, you repent, this is proof that God has already made Himself at home in your heart. 2. He's a heck of a lot stronger than anything in the world. Take up His word and ask Him to help you in your study of it. He's got everything you need to become like Him.