Luke 8:18

In many ways, these wise words are the punch line to the parable of the sower. Jesus is saying we need to listen carefully to his words, so they will grow deep roots which shape the people we are. The sad fact is that it’s perfectly possible to listen to something with so little interest or attention that the words fly over our heads without having any impact at all.

This principle is true to the whole of life. The person who looks after what they have will acquire more but, sadly, the person who doesn’t will lose even the little that they have.

This is true of our bodies. If you exercise regularly, the body will grow stronger. But if you stop doing any exercise, you will lose your strength with terrifying speed. If you have ever spent two or three days in bed, you will know exactly what I mean. The body very quickly loses its ability to walk.

I remember visiting a 90-year-old man when I was a teenager. I hadn’t met people of his age, and I was impressed to find him reading a book about astronomy. I asked him why he was reading it, assuming he was an expert on the subject. He told me he was reading the book because he knew nothing about astronomy, and felt it was important to exercise his brain by learning about something completely new! I love that!

Whatever our age, we need to keep exercising our bodies, minds and spirits so that we will keep growing in vitality and strength. Listening to the Lord is hard work. It demands our full attention and must then lead to action. But if we keep doing it, we will become increasingly fit and strong, and more able to serve him.

QUESTION
What have you found to be the most effective way of listening to the Lord?

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank you that you are continually sharing wisdom with me. Help me to listen hard to everything you say. Amen

Released on 15 Jun 2023