Are We Really Listening?

“Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.”  Hebrews 2:1

The use of the word “therefore” refers back to what was said or written before.  In this case, after proving by use of Old Testament writings upon which the Jews relied “religiously” which indicated that Jesus Christ was indeed greater than angels (Psalm 103:20) and also that He presently was seated at God’s right hand (Hebrews 8:1), the author of Hebrews urged his readers to pay close attention to the teaching of and about Christ.  Historians estimate that the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke were written prior to the writing of the book of Hebrews, however, we do not know how available these gospel books were to the average Jewish believer.  In using the word “average”, it only describes folks who were not those selected to preach, teach, or write as God inspired.  At that time, all copies of both the Old and New Testament were handwritten, thus much of what believers learned was taught by those whom God chose to deliver His word, hence the urgency to listen carefully and retain in memory.

We are exceptionally blessed in having the written word in many languages so that no one has an excuse to not read God’s word.  Even if we do read scripture, it is incumbent upon us to apply what we learn.  When folks do not know God’s word because they have rejected it, not even giving God’s word consideration, or when they claim to follow Christ yet neglect to read and study the source of all knowledge about Him, they are indeed on a slippery slope.  I would not knowingly go to a doctor who had not been to medical school.  How would he or she know what treatment to give me?  How can we know how to live by faith if we don’t know anything about the “author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2)?  Many people, in an attempt to excuse their rejection or neglect of God’s word, claim that they don’t understand it, but, in reality, the truth is that they cannot bear to look into the mirror of their soul, God’s word, which reflects what kind of person that they really are.  They had rather remain “unaffiliated”, which is not possible, and continue in their own prideful state rather than accountable to God of whom they know very little.  Bob Dylan said, “You’re going to have to serve somebody; it may be the devil, or it may be the Lord, but you’re gonna’ have to serve somebody”.  That’s what I meant by not being able to be “unaffiliated” or “neutral” in the game of life.

If only unbelievers could know the joy and comfort that they are missing but walking with Christ is something one must experience before one can truly know the joy and contentment that Jesus brings.  Some folks want “religion” but on their own terms.  They want a religion that they can manage, one that does not require commitment, one that costs them very little time or money, and one that has little effect on their lifestyles.  When you hear someone say that so and so is very “religious” because he or she attends church regularly, gives generously to the cause of Christ, takes time to help others, keep his or her language inoffensive, etc., the person that makes that remark knows very little about what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.  Many folks do not understand the difference between religion and a relationship with Christ.  Religion is a belief in a higher power and following a system of beliefs which may include performing certain rituals, but not always leading to commitment and righteousness.  A relationship with Christ is a lifestyle lived to glorify Jesus and is a growing process, one that must be nurtured and fed by God’s word, the spiritual food that is necessary for spiritual health.

Do we really listen to the guiding voice of the Holy Spirit?  Do we listen to the pastors and teachers as they bring the word before us?  Do we listen to the voices of others when their hearts are hurting, and they are searching for answers?  Do we study God’s word in order to listen to His voice as He instructs us as to how to live our lives to please Him?  They say, whoever “they” are, that listening is an art.  Most people, when listening to another in a one-on-one conversation, are guilty of thinking about what they are going to say rather than truly being fixated on the words of the other person.  Maybe we should all practice the art of listening to others, but most especially to the words of our Lord and Savior.  We might just learn something!