The Danger of closing your ears
Good morning brethren, I like to write on what I have titled “The danger of closing your ears.” My focus scripture is Proverbs 19:27 and it says “If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you will turn your back on knowledge.” This verse is a warning that reminds us that rejecting instruction leads to ignorance and eventually to destruction. Instruction is God’s means of shaping us, correcting us, and preparing us for every good work. Our journey to wisdom and understanding is continuous, therefore stopping along the way has consequences. Sad to say that we live in a world where people often want to be heard but rarely want to listen. From this verse we can understand that listening is a command and a pathway to life. For clarity permit me to breakdown the words in this verse, “If you stop listening to instruction…” listening here implies humility and openness, it means being teachable - the willingness to learn from others, especially from God’s Word, Pastors, wise mentors, and life experiences. In this verse stopping implies a choice and it is not about being ignorant, but deciding not to listen anymore. “… will turn your back on knowledge.” Know this that when you stop receiving instruction, you will drift away from truth and understanding. In this verse knowledge is the ability to live as a righteous and wise person. Turning your back means walking away from the benefits of truth, insight, and spiritual growth.
As believers we should take instruction as a gift and not a burden, when you see instruction as a burden, you may be closing the door to God’s love working in your life. Instruction is a sign of love. Proverbs 3:11–12 says “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom He loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.” It is true to say that a person who stop listening, will stop growing. And when you stop growing, you start dying spiritually. Proverbs 1:5 says “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.” From Jesus’s words listening is an act of spiritual maturity. When you close your ears, you will be shutting out the voice of God. Matthew 11:15 says “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” To refuse or ignore correction and instructions will mean to drift into danger. This could affect your conscience, hardens your heart, and eventually leads to ruin. Proverbs 10:17 says “People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray.” Instruction is information and to reject it is rejecting God’s way. Hosea 4:6 says “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you…” The walk of faith (Christianity), it’s a lifelong walk of discipleship. As believers we need constant correction and new insights. Proverbs 1:5 says “Let the wise listen and add to their learning…” Just say you know pride is the enemy of instruction, this is often when we think we know enough, we stop listening. However a humble heart will keeps us soft toward God’s voice and the counsel of others especially our pastors.
In conclusion, ask yourself “am I still listening to instruction from the bible, from God, from Pastor or my wise mentors? Set aside time to study God’s Word, pray for understanding, and seek wise counsel. Encourage younger believers or children remind them that listening leads to growing. James 1:22 says “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Today is thanksgiving Service from 10.30am and workers meeting is for 10am. God’s blessings - Mike