Lent: With One VoiceSample

LISTEN AND ACCEPT

Have you ever read an article or heard a speaker and completely missed the point? In today’s reading, the Master illustrates how in like manner, we may read or hear His Word and miss what is most important. Skillfully, Jesus explains that you and I can only understand the living truth of God when our hearts are open and prepared. ‘True listening’ implies readiness to respond. How many times have I read my Bible mechanically without any disposition to respond to God’s divine instructions? I certainly desire to increase my fruitfulness – what about you? Listen and accept. The people in this parable had one thing in common; they all heard the same Word, but even among those who heard and accepted the Word with a good heart, some were less productive than others. If we want to increase our spiritual effectiveness, we need to work on our listening.

FOR REFLECTION
• Have you become complacent toward the Word? You’re not satisfied with your fruitfulness?
• Maybe you’ve let disappointments or other distractions choke the desires you used to have for God’s Word.
• Try to identify what the causes are and prayerfully take steps to restore daily Bible reading in your life.

PRAYER
Father God, I must confess today that I have often treated Your Word with familiarity. Will You, O Lord, create in me a heart fully disposed and ready to receive Your instructions and apply them in my daily activities. Amen!