Not Listening

 

But they would not listen, but were stubborn, as their fathers had been, who did not believe in the LORD their God. 2 Kings 17:14

“You are not listening to me!”

“Yes, I am listening, I don’t agree with you.”

This was a small portion of many conversations I had with my son as he was growing up. He was (and is) a gifted arguer. I am easily flustered by the lawyer-like ability to create a case and argue it – a skill with which he was gifted.

As I would try to stop the conversation by making my ruling, he would insist I had not heard him. I had heard him, I was not going to allow whatever it was he wanted. He had not convinced me and rather than think he was wrong, he was sure I had missed some major point in his argument.

Sometimes I wanted to walk away, give him his way, and let it be over. Looking back, I am sure it was the power of the Holy Spirit that would nudge me to turn around and say or do whatever needed to be done to exert my parental authority. He really hated that for a time.

As I reflect on these interactions, I wonder how much many of us are like he was in those days. We read God’s word, we “hear” what it says, we know the difference between a suggestion and a command, but we walk away and do what is comfortable or feels good. We might even present our arguments to God before we do it…or explain why we should.

Ultimately, at the time, my son knew my husband and I were the authorities he had to obey if he wanted his meals and his privileges, so he gave in. He didn’t always understand what we were trying to protect him from or why he could not continue with the plan he was making, but he followed our commands (at least when we knew about it).

God has lavished His children with love and most reading this are living in abundance because of His grace and mercy to us. Yet, like our son, and the Israelites in the verse at the top, we will not listen to Him. We say that we know He is sovereign, that we believe He will use everything for our good, and that we know we are blessed for obedience to His Word. We might even argue that we know what God wants because we have checked with the Bible.

To listen is not just to hear. When we listen we take in what is being said and try to understand. Maybe we ask questions to clarify and seek specific direction. With God, we call that prayer.

We all claim that “God still speaks.” Are we listening? Do we go to His Word for instruction? Will we seek understanding by checking with scripture and seeking the counsel of wise, godly advisers (Proverbs 15:22)?

Then, will we act? If God gives instruction, will we not just listen and move away angry, like a child, but will we remember that He is God, worthy of glory, honor praise….and obedience?

He will bless obedience (Deuteronomy 11:26-27) and use it for our good.