You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. John 5:39-40 (NIV)
God speaks through His Word. When we know who is speaking, we listen differently. You probably listen to commercials passively. If something grabs your attention, you suddenly wake up and listen, but otherwise it passes you by. Candidly, that’s how some people listen to the preaching of the Word of God.
You probably listen to your enemies defensively. You know that they want to harm you, so you are on your guard. If you think God is your enemy that is how you will hear His Word. That is how some listen to His Word.
You probably listen to your friends in a different way. You hear them with an open heart because you know that they love you. When they tell you that you are wrong, you listen because you know they are in your corner, they want to do you good. The way you listen to the Word of God reveals a great deal about your relationship with Him. God’s friends hear His Word gladly.
Do you tend to listen to God’s Word in the same way that you listen to a commercial, an enemy, or a friend?
