We Have God's Attention

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.    —Colossians 3:12

The Voice reality television show is a singing competition that seeks to find new talent based on a contestant’s voice alone. Four celebrity coaches sit in chairs with their backs toward the performers. If the coach wants the singer for their team after only hearing their voice, they press their button, and their chair turns around.

There are five different parts to the Voice season: Blind Auditions, Battle Rounds, Knockout Rounds, Live shows, and the Season Finale. Each season begins with the Blind Auditions where singers try to catch the attention and choice of the judge to be on their team. They perform to be chosen. The blind aspect of the competition levels the playing field for those with phenomenal voices but without the wow-factor in appearance. Eventually, everyone turns around for those who are chosen, and performance, appearance, and personality all come into play.

In the Kingdom of God, we already have God’s attention. God judges by the heart rather than outward appearance. The Bible tells us that we are saved by grace through faith. Salvation is the gift of God; it is not earned or deserved (Ephesians 2:8-9).  Romans 6:23 tells us that we have already been judged and have been found guilty. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The second half of the verse states that although we are condemned, God offers each of us the gift of eternal life.

On The Voice, each singer performs to be accepted by the coaches and to have the opportunity to begin a new life for themselves and their families. In God’s Kingdom, we have already been chosen by God, and everyone has the opportunity to begin a new life in Christ. We are accepted by God not based upon our performance but on the performance of God in Christ. Jesus came to earth, lived a holy life, and died for our sins on the Cross. God raised Him from the dead and now gives salvation to all who believe in and follow Jesus.

Colossians 3:12 tells us that we are chosen and dearly loved. The Bible also tells us that while we were sinners and cared not for God Jesus died for us (Romans 5:8). When Jesus prayed in the Garden, He thought of you and me. When Jesus died on the Cross, it was for you and me. You have probably heard the questions posed to Jesus, “How much to you love me?” Jesus opened up His arms to be nailed to the Cross and said, “This much.”

God wants us to live holy lives. God yearns for us to walk with Him every day, but we cannot earn God’s approval, selection, and love by our performance. God already loves us. God already desires to bless us. Our actions, our desire to follow Jesus, and our holy lives are in response to God’s love for us. 1 John 3:19 tells us, “We love because he first loved us.”

Our voice to God is a response to God’s voice to us. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27). My friend, God loves you. God has chosen you. He is calling your name. Open your ears and hear His voice. You already have God’s attention. You have already won. Open your heart and ask Jesus to come into your life. Claim your prize.