Listening to God's Word

“Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from your commands. Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes. Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors” (Psalm 119:17–24).

I have heard it said that if you listen to a person who is teaching or reading from the Word of God, you will always hear a truth you will be able to apply to your own personal walk with Him. God’s Word does apply to everyone. If you read from God’s instruction manual, you find the truths that do apply to every person who claims to have given their lives to Christ so that they might be saved. In the book of Romans, His Word tells us “we are transformed by the renewing of our minds.” How is it then that two different people can listen to God’s Word, and one will grow and mature? The one will become productive and fruitful, while the other, who has heard the same Word from God, does not grow or produce any fruit.

A man I had heard of goes into an ice cream store and says, “I’d like two scoops of chocolate ice cream, please.” The girl behind the counter says, “I’m very sorry, sir, but our delivery truck broke down this morning. We’re out of chocolate.” “In that case,” the man says, “I’ll have two scoops of chocolate ice cream.” “You don’t understand, sir,” the girl says, “we have no chocolate.” “Then just give me some chocolate,” he says. Getting angrier by the second, the girl says, “Sir, will you spell VAN, as in vanilla?” The man says, “V_A_N.” “Now spell STRAW, as in strawberry.” “Okay, S_T_R_A_W.” “Now,” the girl says, “spell STINK, as in chocolate.” The man hesitates, then says, “there is no stink in chocolate.” “THAT’S WHAT I’VE BEEN TRYING TO TELL YOU!” she screams.

What kind of listener are you? The way you listen will determine the way you live. Did you know that we forget 95 percent of what we hear after 72 hours? That’s why we don’t rely just on our ears to hear God’s Word. God has given us a manual to read with our eyes. Sometimes we take notes or even repeat phrases. Occasionally, you might quote verses out loud during the message, if asked. By using these tools, if you will, more of your senses are involved in the message and the more you will remember. What does it take to listen to God’s Word properly? It takes the right kind of attitude.

In service to Him and you, Pastor Jim

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