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“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:4 ESV)

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Selective Hearing

 by Macy Johnson


“Son of man, you are living among a rebellious people.

They have eyes to see but do not see and ears to hear

but do not hear, for they are a rebellious people.”

(Ezekiel 12:2 NIV)

 

My next-door neighbor, Susan, and I belong to a small choral group that meets at a local nursing home. We sing every Wednesday afternoon for the shut-in residents there. During one of the songs I leaned over to her, held the open hymn book up to my face and whispered, “See the lady in the back of the room in the blue shirt? She sticks her fingers in her ears when we sing.”

 

My friend acknowledged the strange sight and we monitored the lady while several hymns were sung. Most of the time she put her fingers in her ears, but sometimes she chose to listen to us. It was odd behavior. Perhaps we sang too loudly for her sensitive ears.

 

I later realized I am like that lady. When God speaks to me through His Word and other believers, I sometimes put my hands over my ears. I don’t want to hear what He has to say. My upcoming audiometry evaluation might reveal a physical hearing problem, but it will not expose the condition of my heart.

 

Did I hear the pastor’s sermon tell me to Come and Die? Did I keep my mouth shut when tempted to talk about myself? Did I push someone away Jesus asked me to include? Have I ignored the cry of the needy all around me?

 

As a follower of Christ, I am not allowed to select what to listen to when the Holy Spirit speaks. I know He will guide me through my ears into my brain as He chooses.

 

I choose to hear my heavenly Father’s words every time! I hope you will, too!

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