Due Diligence!

How often have we tried to talk to someone over the roar of an engine, the banging of construction work, loud music, a noisy crowd, or some other loud noise? I remember a time when I would visit with someone whose house paralleled a main railroad line. Sometimes we had to just stop talking until the train was finished going by. Trying to hear what another is saying in such situations takes CONCENTRATION. We may have to STRAIN TO HEAR. We might even find ourselves watching the other person's lips in order to make out what they are saying so as to NOT MISS ANYTHING! There may also be the need of asking them to repeat what they have said. All of this reveals WE VALUE what they are saying. If we didn't, we could simply say, "Uh-huh" and just go on with whatever else we are doing.

Now, my wife won't just let me get by with an "Uh-huh". In order to make sure I was listening to what she was saying she will ask, "Uh-huh what?" Then it becomes clearly evident whether I was really paying attention or not. If I can't get away with that with my wife, how much more so with God. I ought to VALUE what my wife says because of the relationship we share. But even to a greater degree I must exercise due diligence in paying attention to what God has to say.

The English word "diligence" comes from the Latin "diligent" which is the present participle of "diligere" which means to "VALUE HIGHLY" or "LOVE". Oh, how that ought to be characteristic of our attention toward what God has declared.

It didn't take long into the exodus for Israel to begin complaining and wishing they were back in Egypt. Between two instances of complaining God, declared through Moses. . .

"(26) saying, 'If you will DILIGENTLY LISTEN TO THE VOICE OF THE LORD your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and GIVE EAR to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, your healer.' " ( Exodus 15:26 ESV)

What a blessing God was promising Israel. God desired to remain their healer rather than an inflictor of punishment. Perhaps the people's greatest illness was a heart and hearing problem. Jesus met with the same kind of ailment and quoted from Isaiah regarding the blessing that could have been experienced if the people would only listen. ( Matthew 13:14-15) Reading this longstanding history, let us exercise due diligence in not making the same error. Listening to what God has declared will not only reveal we HIGHLY VALUE and LOVE what He says, but it will also bring us the greatest blessings of life presently and eternally. As He is ever mindful of us, may we give Him our undivided attention.

Have a great day KEEPING A LISTENING EAR TOWARD GOD!
Carl

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