I like the idea that God speaks to us through other people. Sometimes it is a message we don't want to hear like when someone points out a sin we may have committed against another without even realizing it. I remember once I came down pretty hard on an employee in a public meeting. Although, I had interpreted it as teasing, the employee did not. Another believer who I work with asked me to have lunch with him that day and confronted me with my sin. He quoted:

Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV)

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

He had a word from God for me and boy was I ever convicted. For a long time after that, I had this verse on a post-it note attached to my computer monitor. This was to remind me even during phone calls how I was to control my tongue.

We all at different times have a word from the Lord for each other. Willard points out that the Bible assumes such communication.

1 Corinthians 14:26 (NKJV)

How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

When we work together with a common goal, and truly know each other and the will of God, there will be no need for always having to tell each other what to do. The need will be known and it will be done without having to communicate it. Willard calls this type of activity "having the mind of Christ."

1 Corinthians 2:15-16 (NKJV)

For "who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ.

Lord, help me to recognize your voice in others, whether it be a song or a lesson or an exhortation or even a blessing.

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