Mike’s Musings …
Is Anyone Listening?
Webster offers the following definitions for the verb “discern.” He says, “1: to detect with the eyes; 2: to detect with senses other than vision; 3: to recognize or identify as separate and distinct; 4: to come to know or recognize mentally. It should be obvious that one cannot discern something one neither sees nor hears. Discerning requires recognition/understanding. Unless the mind is engaged to see or hear the matter of focus, discernment is impossible! For this very reason, a gospel preacher used to include in his radio sermons this question: “Are we listening?”
In each of the seven letters Jesus dictated to the churches of Asia (Revelation 2 – 3), Jesus said, “Hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” He also said, “Take heed how ye hear” (Luke 8:18). Add to this list the necessity to study and grow (2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Peter 3:18) in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, and we realize we need to pay greater attention to God’s truth! Are we listening?
So many times, sermons and bible studies review and even repeat various facts for emphasis and reminders. Still, even after many times of repeating God’s commandments on various matters, many continue to express via their words and deeds that they did not hear a thing! Nothing changed after the truth was preached! They either did not listen (i.e., discern) or they did not care, or they felt themselves immune to that particular edification. Which one is a righteous reception of God’s word? Which one will benefit the soul toward spiritual maturity?
Listening requires paying attention. That is true discernment: paying attention! When Jesus says, “Come” to those on His right side at the judgment day, who will ask, “What did He say?” Likewise, those to whom He says, “Depart,” will not be able to ignore His decree. I muse on why the lack of discernment exists with so many. While their reasons may vary, the reality still exists: THEY DIDN’T LISTEN, and therefore, they cannot discern. When they cannot discern, they can neither mature in Christ nor please Him because they fail to learn. When they fail to learn, they further disobey Christ, who said, “Learn of Me” (Matthew 11: 28:30). Are you listening?