How Do You Hear?

How Do You Hear?

She said, “I need custard for the trifle.” Hubby said, “yes dear,” and brought home a tin of mustard. Not quite what she had in mind for the trifle, but “yes dears” mean very little when hubby has his head buried in a book or his eyes glued to a computer screen.

Such domestic confusion provides the stand-up comic with good material, but in some cases, the failure to listen carefully can truly blight our lives.   That’s why Jesus once warned His disciples “Therefore take care how (“in what way” – Thayer) you listen!” (Lk 8:18). Jesus wasn’t discussing trifles but deep spiritual truth, and He knew that men and women make decisions about how they hear that truth. Years ago, I made the decision to scrutinize Jesus’ words through a microscope with just one goal: to find “contradictions”, “absurdities” “inconsistencies” or anything else which would justify turning my back on Him. Foolish decision. Regrettable results.

It’s equally regrettable when we fall into the trap of listening without conviction. The Lord once told Ezekiel:

“My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice … 32 Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice.”

Ezekiel’s listeners found his symbolic actions and dramatic words entertaining, but there’s no need to make a response to an entertainer. Entertainment does not produce a repentant, heartfelt response.

So how are you and I doing in this respect? I find it encouraging to hear uplifting sermons on love, joy, peace, and patience, but the question is, am I more inclined to go the extra mile and turn the other cheek in real life when the sermon is over? Am I entertained or convicted? Songs about El Shaddai thrill the soul, but do I trust God more on Monday having sung them with gusto the previous day? I ask this question because Jesus goes on to say that “whoever has, to him shall more be given” (Lk 8:18). I take this to mean that if we build upon the light, the grace and the opportunities we have today we will enjoy more light, more grace and more opportunities tomorrow. No, we cannot be perfect, but we can resolve to listen to the Lord with open hearts and make the promise ours. It’s not a matter of accidental circumstances – it’s a matter of choice.

Rex