Honest Hearer!

We understand that if we are not honest in what we say, we will become known as a deceiver and a liar. However, it is also true that if we are not honest regarding that which we hear and read we can become self-deceived. Honesty must be associated with both the output and the input.

Some of Jesus' hearers were not really listeners. They closed their ears and minds to what He taught. More than once Jesus stated, "He who has ears, let him hear." ( Matthew 13:9 & 43 ESV) (also Matthew 11:15)

After Stephen had given a lengthy discourse covering Jewish history and the fulfillment of prophesy in the coming of Christ ( Acts 7), as he continued to speak, the crowd who rushed forward to stone him to death, did so with ears covered. ( Acts 7:57) They refused to listen!

Paul warned Timothy about those who would surround themselves with teachers who would teach what their ears itched to hear. ( 2 Timothy 4:3) Still today there are many who listen or read only for what they want to hear and seek support or validation for what they already desire. When one has a physical illness of which the diagnosis is not good, to search until they find a doctor who will tell them they are healthy is no different than ignoring the truths needed for a healthy spiritual life. There is no benefit.

James urged. . .
"(22) But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (23) For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. (24) For he LOOKS at himself and GOES AWAY and at once FORGETS WHAT HE WAS LIKE. (25) But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, BEING NO HEARER WHO FORGETS BUT A DOER WHO ACTS, he WILL BE BLESSED in his doing." ( James 1:22-25 ESV)

When we read the Scriptures or hear Scripturally based lessons being shared, how honest are we with what HEAR? How honest are we as we compare our personal lives with what the Scriptures teach? Are we truly honest HEARERS and READERS? Are we honest enough to see and accept what needs to change in us? Or do we walk away forgetting what we have heard, deceiving ourselves into thinking we are okay as we are?

Jesus pointed out that the WISE LISTENER is the HEARER AND DOER. ( Matthew 7:24-25) This is the one who is enabled to wisely build a life that will remain standing steadfast though storms arise. May we be honest enough to be convicted as we HEAR and READ the message of God's Word. By doing so we will be seen as WISE HEARERS and enabled to ward off the deception that would otherwise take place. "He who has ears, let him hear."

Have a great day POSSESSING AN HONEST MOUTH AND EARS.
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Listening