Take care how you listen

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“No one, after lighting a lamp, covers it with a basket or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lamp stand so that those who come in may see its light. For nothing is concealed that won’t be revealed, and nothing hidden that won’t be made known and brought to light. Therefore take care how you listen. For whoever has, more will be given to him, and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him,” (Luke 8:16-18 CSB).

Why did Jesus tell the people he taught to “take care how you listen?" Here are a few reasons to consider:
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Take care how you listen, because it is the Word of the living God that speaks. Take care how you listen, because failing to take heed to the Living God has been the downfall of many. Take care how you listen, because God’s Word demands and deserves our full attention. He is the Living God who created all things. Take care how you listen, because God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, (Psalm 119:105 NKJV). It points the way for us to go and guards us from destruction. There are no promises for the rebellious that reject the truth and choose to walk in darkness.

So, take care how you listen, but not with the heart of a cynic. A cynic will always question God’s Word and His justice and motives. He will cast God’s Word in a bad light and poison the minds of those around him.

God help us to approach your Word with reverence and awe and help us to take care how we listen. Be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path as we navigate the often perilous and confusing paths of life, in Jesus Name, Amen.

​Toni Babcock
Minnesota, USA - info@grace-lines.net