“Simon Says…” the Jesus Way!
But Micaiah said, As the Lord lives, I will speak what the Lord says to me.
(1 Kings 22:14, Amp)
The old childhood game “Simon Says” can emphasize an important lesson…to play the game well you have to listen well. As you may recall, the children follow a designated leader…the leader is giving specific instructions on what the children need to do and must follow his or her instructions. The key is, you only do what the leader says if the words, “Simon says…” are spoken first. If the leader says, “Simon says touch your right elbow.” Then each child is to touch their right elbow. But…if the same directive is given but no beginning words of “Simon says” are spoken then the children are to remain still. To touch your right elbow without having first said, “Simon says…” the participant is then out of the game.
So, listening is imperative to playing the game well. As the leader may go faster with instructions a child may be tempted to move after doing several “Simon says” instructions but, then because of the repetition, make the next move but the instruction is given but without the two-word preface of “Simon says.” In a way, doing became more important than listening.
As followers of Jesus, we, too, can get excited in being a part of obeying “Jesus says.” We hear Him in a consistent way in the Scripture, in prayer, and at church during times of worship and Bible study. Yet, the Christ-follower can sometimes just keep doing every thought or direction that comes and yet, the command or invitation done was not a “Jesus says” initiative.
Yes, to follow Christ well, you and I have to listen well.
There is an additional thought that from the “Simon Says” game that would not be true of our spiritual discipleship in the “Jesus Say” game of life. In “Simon Says” often the goal of the game is to get a winner of see who is the best listener who never yielded to moving when the leader gave an instruction that did not begin with the words, “Simon says…” So, the “Simon” of the game is seeking to try and trick the participants. As mentioned earlier, the leader wants to eliminate the children and often will work hard to get the children “out.”
This is where “Simon Says” is very different than “Jesus Says.” When listening to our Lord in prayer and in the Scripture His goal is not to deceive and trick us. He wants us to know His voice and follow His commands because they are life and life-giving. He is not seeking to eliminate us from eternal life and spiritual growth but works faithfully to assist us to believe in Him and know His voice for each and every life situations and decision-making moments. Our Lord does not want us to move in a life direction first, without first hearing, “Jesus say…”
Christ-followers, Shema disciples…Christ and His Spirit is on your side! The daily invitation to follow Him and His guidance He will make clear. The reality is, the lack of clarity and difficulty to discern if it is God’s voice or not is on our side…sin and self can be strong deterrents that changes the frequency of our minds and hearts in our relationship with Christ.
Yes, to follow Christ well, you and I have to listen well.
The one who belongs to God listens and responds to God’s words. You don’t listen and respond, because you don’t belong to God. (John 8:47, NET)
