Famous American general, Gen. Douglas MacArthur was an articulate speaker, which served the great leader well in his military duties. But, he was also an acute listener. His habit of carefully listening first before speaking enhanced his already substantial leadership qualities.
Sucessful learning relies upon our ability to both, extract and assimilate information. In order to do this effectively, one needs to listen, or be attentive. The ability to be a good listener has proven beneficial to us in a million different ways. Unfortuately, our listening can also become selective; hearing only what we want to hear.
This is what many of us are guilty of doing when it comes to listening to God. The Bible contains many examples of individuals who suffered from selective listening. As an example, "King Manasseh led Judah and the people of Jerusalem astray, so that they did more evil than the nations the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites. The LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention" (2 Chronicles 33: 9-10).
How did this turn out? "The LORD brought against them the army commanders of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh prisoner, put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles and took him to Babylon" (2 Chronicles 33:10). All the result of not listening to God. Here's another example.
Josiah, king of Judah didn't listen to God, either. Even though the LORD spoke to him again and again, he refused to heed to His words. "... I have spoken to you again and again, but you have not listened" (Jeremiah 25:3). "..."And the LORD has sent to you all His servants the prophets again and again, but you have not listened nor inclined your ear to hear" (Jeremiah 25:4). The result of not listening to God: seventy years of captivity in Babylon!
Not listening to God amounts to disobedience. Okay, so maybe we don't set out to consciously and deliberately disobey Him. The plain truth is that we just don't listen. God doesn't speak to us because he's lonely, or wants to be controlling. He speaks to us because He loves us. And by listening to His voice and obeying Him, we reciprocate that love.
If God speaks to us and we tune Him out, not because of willful disobedience but inattentiveness; we are sending the message that we don't love and respect Him as we should. John 14:15 clarifies what we need to do. Even so, why are so many of us afraid to hear from God? It's almost as if we don't want Him to talk to us.
Could it be that we fear what He might tell us to do? Are we apprehensive about having to either obey or disobey what He says? Sure, it's easy when someone else speaks to us because obedience is optional, not imperative. Keep in mind though, God is the only one who will always steer you straight. He always has your best interest at heart.
Listening to God isn't really so hard. Though, It might take a little practice on your part if you haven't been receptive to Him. I'd like to share some tips that I have found helpful in my receptivity to God. #1: You must be quiet and still. You need to be settled down. Other things can wait at this time.
#2: You must listen, really listen. Let God do the talking. It helps if you have turned off the television or radio beforehand. Put your phone on silent mode. #3: Honesty with God and yourself is paramount. Be honest about every thought that occurs. Skirting around the truth won't do you any good here. Besides, He knows!
#4: Test or check your thoughts to be certain they truly come from God. Not every thought we have comes from Him. Are they pure, honest, unselfish and loving? Do they follow what we know about teachings found in scriptural material? Duties to our families? Our community?
#5: You must obey; obedience. Once God has spoken to you, carry out His orders. Many in the Bible were tripped up by this. They didn't follow God's commands, and therefore suffered the consequences. You will find that very often the results will prove you are following the right path.
As I close today, listening to God is an important part of Christian life. Along with Bible study, fellowship, and evangelism, communicating with God is a necessity. It's a two-way line that passes back and forth between God and us. Yes, we can and should speak to God through our prayers. But, He speaks to us, too. Just be still, open your heart to Him and listen.
Scripture: John 8:47; Psalm 25:4-5; Psalm 37:4-5; Hebrews 4:7; Romans 10:17
Prayer: Dear God, In this world of noise and distractions, I will quietly and patiently listen for Your instructions. The fulfillment of which are my life's mission until the day I am eternally with You. Amen
May God bless you,
Kaye
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