We have a worldwide democratic structure in the church. But it was never thought of as popular democracy. The real goal of our votes is that everyone personally listens to God’s voice and casts his vote accordingly. By listening to God’s voice it makes God’s will known through the vote. We certainly pray before taking part in any Board meeting. Often the opportunity is given before a vote is cast for personal prayer so that it becomes clear to each person how God wants them to vote. Nehemiah said,

“Then my God put it into my heart ...” (Nehemiah 7:5)

And Ellen G. White said about Nehemiah chapter 1,

“And as he prayed, a holy purpose had been forming in his mind ...” Ellen G. White, Southern Watchman (www.egwwritings.org), March 1, 1904

Will a carnal Christian hear God’s voice? If the person hasn’t consciously and completely surrendered to the Lord, then this person certainly won’t get an answer (See Psalm 66:18; Psalm 25:12).

If someone, who is a carnal person, votes sincerely to the best of the knowledge, then humanly speaking it is ok. But in the moment human agreements are made, it becomes manipulation and sin.

The leaders have a great influence on God’s work. It definitely makes a big difference and can have major consequences if brothers and sisters are leading who have been called by God or who have been chosen only by a human vote.

While reading a book on prayer I realized that we may ask God to show us the way we should go (Psalm 32:8). The quiet listening to God’s voice changes our whole life.

It is essential that we directly seek God’s counsel more and more in the last days.

Joel 2:28-29 indicates this,

“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.”

Ellen G. White comments,

“We must individually hear Him speaking to the heart. When every other voice is hushed, and in quietness we wait before Him, the silence of the soul makes more dis- tinct the voice of God. He bids us, ‘Be still, and know that I am God’ (Psalm 46:10).” Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (1898), p.363

QUESTIONS FOR MEDITATION & DEVOTION

1. Why is it so hard to seek and listen to God’s voice?

2. One of communication problems is called noise or interference. What are yours?

3. How can you address the issue with the noises preventing you from having direct connection with God?