ARE YOU LISTENING?
Scientists claim that normal ears are capable of detecting up to 73,700 vibrations a second. In fact, our ears are so sensitive that if we were placed in a sound-proof room we would likely hear the sound of the blood coursing its way through our veins, and possibly even the beating of our heart.
Which makes it ironic that, despite the divine complexity and remarkable sensitivity of our ears, many of us find it challenging to listen carefully. It is not that we cannot hear; we sometimes just choose not to. Although this can occasionally be a blessing – such as when people nearby use profanity – not listening is frequently counterproductive.
It is said that marital breakdowns begin the moment one or both spouses quit listening. The so-called “generation gap” is more accurately described as a “listening gap”. Even the closest of friends will inevitably drift apart when one or both stop listening. A wise counselor once observed, “If people would only listen to one another I’d be out of a job.”
And what about our relationship to God? Does it not also thrive on healthy communication? Do we not grow spiritually when we speak to our heavenly Father daily in prayer and likewise listen to His replies via His word (Rev. 2:11)? It is no wonder that the Bible has so much to say about the importance of listening. “Be swift to hear...” (James 1:19); “Take heed how you hear...” (Luke 8:18); and “He who has an ear to hear, let him hear...” (Rev. 2:7).
After speaking to His disciples of those whose “ears are hard of hearing” (Matt. 13:15), Jesus commended His faithful followers by saying, “But blessed are your…ears, for they hear.” (Matt. 13:16).
Are WE listening to our Lord?
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
Scientists claim that normal ears are capable of detecting up to 73,700 vibrations a second. In fact, our ears are so sensitive that if we were placed in a sound-proof room we would likely hear the sound of the blood coursing its way through our veins, and possibly even the beating of our heart.
Which makes it ironic that, despite the divine complexity and remarkable sensitivity of our ears, many of us find it challenging to listen carefully. It is not that we cannot hear; we sometimes just choose not to. Although this can occasionally be a blessing – such as when people nearby use profanity – not listening is frequently counterproductive.
It is said that marital breakdowns begin the moment one or both spouses quit listening. The so-called “generation gap” is more accurately described as a “listening gap”. Even the closest of friends will inevitably drift apart when one or both stop listening. A wise counselor once observed, “If people would only listen to one another I’d be out of a job.”
And what about our relationship to God? Does it not also thrive on healthy communication? Do we not grow spiritually when we speak to our heavenly Father daily in prayer and likewise listen to His replies via His word (Rev. 2:11)? It is no wonder that the Bible has so much to say about the importance of listening. “Be swift to hear...” (James 1:19); “Take heed how you hear...” (Luke 8:18); and “He who has an ear to hear, let him hear...” (Rev. 2:7).
After speaking to His disciples of those whose “ears are hard of hearing” (Matt. 13:15), Jesus commended His faithful followers by saying, “But blessed are your…ears, for they hear.” (Matt. 13:16).
Are WE listening to our Lord?
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
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