ARE WE TURNING A DEAF EAR?

"But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves." (James 1:22)

If we have been walking with The Lord for awhile, hopefully we have learned to hear the sound of His voice. If that be so, what do we do when He speaks and we know it - and we don't like what He says? Do we listen, or do we turn a deaf ear? We love it when we like what we hear ... but not so much when He speaks in ways that require us to change direction in some way. We flat out don't want to hear it, do we? We wish he hadn't said THAT!

What are the consequences for not listening; not heading The Lord when He speaks?

Some suggestions:

OTHER VOICES: We begin to listen to "other" voices; become prey to deception, and choose to do what we want. We choose not to submit to The Lord.

DECISIONS ARE SELF-BASED: Our choices become based on how much they appeal to us, not based on the wisdom of God and what He knows is best for us.

THE BLAME GAME: We begin to blame others for our wrongdoings, make excuses for ourselves, and assume no responsibility for our poor choices.

OTHERS SUFFER because of our wrongful actions and behaviors.

DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD: Our loving Lord will discipline us for our own good when we refuse to listen, heed and obey.

All of us must deal with temptation - in this, the temptation of turning a deaf ear to the Lord's instruction.

Suggested solution:

Refuse the temptation of listening to other voices. While some of those other voices are voices of well-meaning friends, but not in accord with Scripture, other voices can be those of wolves masquerading in sheep clothing - voices that may lead us away from what The Lord desires of us or for us. Voices that may lead us into sin. Do not listen and heed words that merely tickle your ears, are empty, and filled with deceit. LISTEN, HEAR, REMEMBER, and OBEY the One voice that brings us blessings, and guarantees our best outcome. 

Amen.