Like many of you, I have selective hearing. Especially when it comes to the lyrics of songs. For the most part, I have no idea what they’re singing. Can you relate?
Take, for instance, the song ‘I can see clearly now’ by Johnny Nash. Has it ever sounded to you like he’s singing “I can see clearly now, Lorraine is gone” when the actual lyrics are “I can see clearly now, the rain is gone?” For years I was so sad for Lorraine.
I’m sure you’ll agree that when we hear correctly, it can change everything. Not only the words that are said but how they are said. Listening to tone, meaning, context and body language makes all the difference in the world. Do you know why? Because it changes the way we think.
Correct hearing is a gateway to our minds and, ultimately, our hearts. In fact, your enemy, the devil, would like nothing better than to pollute your ears with false information.
He wants you to listen to lies so that you will believe them in your mind and, in so doing, turn your heart from following Jesus.
That’s why it’s so crucial for you to guard your ears.
Here are six things you should know about your ears.
1. Your ears belong to God.
God invented your ears so that you would listen to him. “Ears that hear and eyes that see— the Lord has made them both.” (Proverbs 20:12)
2. Your ears are the starting point of your faith.
“So, faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.” (Romans 10:17)
3. Your ears listen for God’s voice.
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21)
4. Your ears help you grow in godly wisdom.
My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. (Proverbs 2:1-8)
5. Your ears help you keep a clear mind.
For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. (2 Timothy 4:3-5)
6. Your ears affect your whole life.
“As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” (Luke 6:47-49)
