So, I’ve been thinking about something. The fact that I don’t always listen. I discovered this more recently. A few days ago while chatting with my Mom, I “woke up” in the middle of our conversation. I didn’t know a thing she’d told me. I’d been looking at her the entire time and couldn’t recall a single word she’d said.
Sorry, Mom. I immediately apologized and came back into the present conversation.
Have you ever done that?
Or, am I the only one whose stresses and worries keep me so distracted that I fade out during conversations?
If so, then I guess I need to end this blog post here. But, if not…
Let’s keep chatting!
I need to employ active listening. In essence, active listening “requires that the listener fully concentrate, understand, respond and then remember what is being said.” (Thank you, Wikipedia!) To actively listen means I take part. I fully engage. I’m not concocting grocery lists in my head while you are trying to share with me about your day.
But what if active listening is even more than that? What if active listening means I must do something.
Something outrageous.
Something life changing.
God showed me this scripture a few weeks ago:
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
James 1:22-24 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/jas.1.22-24.NIV
To turn away and forget what I look like? Could you imagine it?
To mean this is like reading the bible as a book. A normal ol’ every-day book. Not the living, thriving, active word of God.
And, this hurts my soul.
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)
https://www.bible.com/bible/59/heb.4.12
The word of God is “living and active.” It is as alive today as it was thousands of years ago when it was spoken then put on paper. Our God is alive and well today, as well, working on our behalf, holding us in His powerful right hand, and loving us through our days that He created for us. Trust Him.
If we don’t adhere to His word, we are destined for failure. If we don’t listen. If we don’t take it in. If we don’t actively listen to what He is telling us. I ask you to read Deuteronomy 28. Here’s a link for you.
God’s love is so easy. Like a loving Father who gives us the world, He offers us blessings or curses depending on our “listening.” If you have a chance to read, Deuteronomy 28, you’ll see.
God only wants what’s best for us. He laid it all out for you since the beginning of time. Trust Him. Listen to Him. You can’t go wrong.
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