Are You Listening?

 2 ears. 1 mouth. Hmmm...2 is more than 1. It sounds like listening must be pretty important then. We hear a lot throughout our day on the radio, television, in music, on social media. But are we really listening to what we're hearing? Are we really hearing what's being said or not said? Let's take a moment and and look at the definition of listen. Listen is a verb and means to give attention to sound or action. It is making an effort to hear something and be alert to hear. For example, when we listen to songs, do we really listen to the lyrics and what they're saying? I love a good beat just like anyone else, but we have to check the words and what message it sends. The right song with powerful lyrics will have us uplifted and encouraged. I'm a witness! Have you really listened to what's being said in conversation? Have you really listened to what God's Word is saying? We need to be intentional and focus purposely on what we hear. Now I do need to give you a word of caution right here: we don't need to listen to everything. If it's negative and not helpful, don't listen. If it doesn't bring peace or build up, we shouldn't listen. If it leaves us feeling drained, we need to turn from it and not listen. Psalm 34:14 says, "Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." What we listen to matters. Listening to God is key. We need to listen and be open to what God is saying in His Word. God's Word gives us instructions on how to live our life (Proverbs 10:17). Following His instructions will keep us on His path. We will then be able to use wisdom to know what to do and not do (Proverbs 19:20). When we don't, that's when we're more likely to get off course. When we're about to listen to God's Word, we need to pray first to God and ask Him to help us listen to what He is about to speak. We also need to clear our space of distractions (turn the television off, silence the phone, etc.), so we can really pay attention  to what the Word is saying and live it (James 1:22). Listen to every word because every word matters. In conversation, we should listen carefully to those who we talk to. In James 1:19, it tells us to be quick to listen. We can practice active listening by looking at them, nodding our head as they speak, and ask questions when needed. Put away the phone so you're not tempted to look at that while someone is talking to you. There is so much going on in our world right now and so many heavy hearts about so many things. Sometimes people just need someone to listen to and not necessarily want advice. No matter what age, we can be a listening ear. If we do need to answer, we have to make sure we listen to all that is being said before we do (Proverbs 18:13). Now more than ever, let's tune in and listen. We have to tune in to what God's saying in His Word. When applied to our life, it can be life-changing. We have to tune in to someone who may need us to listen to them. Taking the time to listen to someone could change their life. When put into action, it sounds like listening can be life-changing. Hmmm..so what do you say then? Get ready, get set, listen!