Proverbs 5:1

We have had a few people upset at our congregation in the past couple of
weeks because of something they heard. It seems that they learned that my
wife and I are moving next week and following Sunday I will be preaching in
a nearby city. I know that some may be shocked to read those words; some may
even be confused, while other may be relieved.

More often than not we hear (or read) the message we want to hear, which
sometimes may differ from the actual message which someone was trying to
express. I'm sure you have experienced that sometime, especially if you are
a man! My wife has at times accused me of not listening closely enough to
her, at least that's what I think she said.

Why don't we pay closer attention to what is being said? That's not a new
question or a new problem is it? The writer of Proverbs wrote a couple of
thousand years ago: "So listen to me, my sons, and pay attention to my
words." (Proverbs 5:1, NLT)

The problem however, is not confined just to husbands or children, but
reaches every aspect of our world, but none is so critical as our paying
attention to the Words of God. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 1:18 "For the
preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which
are saved it is the power of God."

There are so many people in our world who refuse to pay attention to what
God has to say. They want to trust in what someone tells them or some
philosophy taught by men and women in our colleges or some world leader.
They often look at the church and those who preach or teach with distain. To
that mindset, Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:20-21: "Where is the wise man?
Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made
foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world
through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness
of what was preached to save those who believe." (NIV)

So, what do you choose to hear? Now back to my opening statement. Yes, my
wife and I are moving this week. We are moving, but it is only from one
subdivision to another in our community. And Yes, I will be preaching at a
nearby city the next Sunday. I have been invited to preach in the evening,
just to get to know our sister congregation.

You see, sometimes we hear, but we don't really listen. At times we jump to
conclusions without the full story, or refuse to listen to true wisdom, the
wisdom of God. So, listen and pay attention to the words of God. They are
the Word of Life!

Russ Lawson