Hardly any physical movement occurred, yet the attacks and countermovements were worthy of a Jujitsu championship. Each combatant scrutinized the other's every word looking for something to exploit toward their own verbal advantage.
At times people listen, not for the purpose of gaining understanding, but to gather ammunition, to discredit, to prepare a defense and so forth. At one time or another, we have all probably been guilty of something other than seeking a genuine understanding. How we listen is important.
After so poignantly teaching how people will respond differently to God's word when that message is sown in their hearts, Jesus warned his disciples, "So take care how you listen." Luke 8:18 Although God's word is important, how we receive God's message is critical to what it will produce in our lives. It is those who with an honest and good heart listen to God's message clinging to it who will produce a harvest with perseverance. Luke 8:15 Whether Jesus will recognize someone as a member of his family, depends upon if that person puts God's word into practice. Luke 8:21 Such obedience, is itself dependent upon how a person chooses to listen to the message.
If the message being presented is true to scripture let's pay attention to how we listen, without lightly dismissing the message or irresponsibly criticizing the messenger. Rather as good soil, let's deeply embrace God's word so that it will produce fruit in our lives.
Barry Newton, Copyright © 2003
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An Initial Foray Into Hermeneutics