Hearing vs. Listening

"For they look, but they don't really see. They hear, but they don't really listen or understand." - Jesus (Matthew 13:13, MSG)

We recently got a puppy. If you've ever had a puppy you're going to relate to everything you're about to read. Let me start by saying Joy is the sweetest German Shepherd pup we could have gotten. She was the last one left in the litter, and I suspect that was because she wasn't overly excited to run out and greet us upon arrival like most puppies would do. We had to come to her. You know, really work for it. Her temperament was super laid back and calm. Surprisingly, this is what I liked about her because I'm actually more of a cat person. And if you know anything about cats it's that they don't need you - you need them. So even though Joy was our only option, she displayed this feline behavior and it was love (and joy) at first sight. But alas, four months into owning our sweet little Joy bird and it's shock collar time. Why you may ask? Because it's obvious the dog hears me, but chooses not to listen. I still love her nonetheless, but the shock collar must happen so she will start obeying my commands.

While our loving God doesn't put literal shock collars around His children's necks, I do believe He will allow "shocking" circumstances/events to happen to us to get our attention. It was the last of a series of multiple "shocks" that ultimately led me to Christ. However, that is another story for another day. Today I want to write about the difference between hearing and listening to God and His commands. I believe this is of upmost importance to the Christ follower as the course of action you decide to take will hold eternal significance. Hearing and listening are both action words. They are both something that anyone who has ears does. One, however, is passive while the other is active. To reiterate, everyone hears (passive) but only few really listen (active). Listening, in God's Kingdom, implies positive action ensuing. This positive action is a three part event, and what it looks like in the life of a believer is hearing, accepting what you've heard, and then obeying it - carrying out/doing what God has said. Make no mistake about it, at around the same time you make up your mind to obey God and what He's told you - expect every fleshly emotion within you to be agitated. The flesh works in contrast to the Spirit (Galatians 5:17). Also expect the world, culture, even those closest to you to contradict what you know you need to do.

So how do we know what He's said? We read the manual He's given us through His Holy Spirit - we read the Bible. Maybe you're in the middle of a "shock" as you currently read this. As previously stated, that's exactly where I found myself when I opened up the book that changed my life. You can read about that here. Just as I am typing these words to you from my thoughts, the Bible is God's thoughts in words to us. It's a blueprint for how we are to live our lives, and the essential ingredient needed to listen and obey God. Chances are we're not going to listen to someone we don't know. The quickest way to get to know God is through His word and His people. Along with reading the Bible, start surrounding yourself with people who are following Jesus. You know, the ones that the world will tell you are hypocritical and self-righteous (get ready for that, too). I can imagine some of you reading this have been hurt by church or you have a bad taste for it. If that's you, I am so sorry. From one sinner to another, I can tell you that the church (Ekklesia - body of believers) isn't a body made up of perfect people. In fact, it's quite the opposite. It's a group of people who recognize they are desperately sick, and that unfortunately, get it wrong sometimes. In that regard, I'd like to encourage you to try again. Follow the people who are following Jesus, and you'll find yourself following Him too.

Matthew, Mark, and Luke (men who physically walked with Jesus) recorded His parable of the farmer scattering seed. Jesus tells a figurative story to a large gathering of people about a farmer who scatters seeds. The farmer shares God's word (the seed) and the recipients are four types of people. The first hears God but Satan comes and puts unbelief in their heart and takes away what they've heard. The second type of person hears and receives but when any type of trouble arises for believing what they believe, they quickly fold and desert the faith. The third group has a big view of the world and a little view of God. They hear but the allure of what this life can bring - wealth, worries, and desires for other things to satisfy is all too much. The fourth type of person is the one who not only hears God's word, but they listen. They obey the will of the Father. This is the person who hears despite what the world is telling them, accepts what they've heard in defiance of their flesh, and GO DO no matter the cost. This person's decision not only exemplifies their love for God (John 14:23), but it acts like a ripple effect affecting those around them. And what happens next is simply remarkable...others begin listening too! (Matthew 13:1-9; Mark 4:1-20; Luke 8:4-8).

We are at a time in history when more people have heard about the Kingdom of God - and the price Jesus paid that gains eternal entrance into it - than people who haven't. One doesn't have to go to church to have still heard. When judgement day comes, and let me assure you, it is coming - the people who have merely heard but haven't listened will reap eternal consequences. I pray that the Holy Spirit would open your eyes to see and ears to hear. That He would begin His perfect work in you through His word. That you wouldn't bow when temptation comes, but you would stand firm against it. I pray that you would start listening to what the voice of God is saying to you today - not tomorrow, but today. I pray that you would GO DO, and you're decision would lead the multitude to righteousness and you'd shine like the stars forever and ever! Amen.

**My church home is Hope Rock Church at Lake Travis in Lakeway, Texas. If you are looking for a group of people who recognize they are desperately sick in need of a Savior and can unashamedly point you to Him, come visit us! For more information on visiting, click here. If you're wanting to open the Bible and read what God has to say about you and to you, I have a free companion study guide to the book of Galatians available.**

"Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand." Jesus (Mark 4:9 MSG).