They hear, but they don't really listen or understand. Matthew 13:13b
Merriam - Webster defines hearing as the process, function, or power of perceiving sound. Listening, on the other hand, means to pay attention to sound; to hear something with thoughtful attention; and to give consideration.
Before I begin today I want you to know that this message is from a dear friend of mine and we talked about this last night. She told me that God gave her this message for me and my blog came to mind. I hope this reaches out to you today and it is something you apply then teach it to others.
We all hear different types of noise throughout our day and when we here something it often goes in one ear and out the other. I think this is because of our busy hustle and bustle type of lifestyle. We hear people gossiping, judging others, arguing, and all the foul language. If these are the types of things you are listening to my brothers and sisters you have it all backwards. These are the types of things we should let enter one ear and out the other. Pay them no mind and don't be foolish by interacting with them.
Listening however is very helpful to any conversation. When we are attentive to what others are saying we quickly show them we are interested by leaning in and looking them in the eye giving them our undivided attention. Listening helps us to respond in a way to not just hear but be able to reply with consideration. Have you ever been speaking and feel like no one is listening? It doesn't feel very good, does it? This is the same way others feel too. So, let's keep this in mind during our conversations.
I wonder how many people go to church or perhaps a Bible study and hear the message rather than listen to it. As you know there is a big difference between hearing and listening. We don't want to miss the opportunity of learning what God is sending through His messengers. The people who attend church and hear the word but never obtain the information that was given to them are what I would call benchwarmers. We aren't meant to just sit on the sidelines.
When we listen to the word of God it becomes a game changer. We apply it to our lives believing and standing on every word. This is how we become transformed when we listen and learn that His word is active. When we pray and take the time to listen we know that He always answers us. Maybe not right now, but He will answer us according to His own timing.
Do you want to be a good servant? Then take the time to listen to all the important things about God. Once you have learned the importance of listening instead of hearing pass this information on to others and let's change the world. We can all learn something new on a daily basis and that needs to be passed onto others.
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