In Mark 4:9, the Bible reads, “And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”
During this passage, Jesus is teaching on the shore and instructs those in attendance to listen to the word of the Lord. Though we pay little attention to them, our ears play an important role in our daily walk and our spiritual development. They pick up the sounds that surround us and then translate that information into a form our brains can understand. Our hearing is based on physical movement within the ear. Sound travels through the air and changes the atmosphere. Just as Jesus said in Biblical times: If you have ears, you should be hearing the word of the Lord.
While growing up in the church, I remember most children were wide awake for the service — until it was time for the word of God to be preached. Sometimes the state of the present-day church resembles my childhood years. Adults seem to come to church for everything except the word of God. I recently had someone ask, “Are there a lot of single women in the church?”
When we begin to ask questions like that, our priorities are out of order, and we’re unable to hear.
Romans 10:14-15 says, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
If we ever expect our atmosphere to change, our situation to get better or our faith to increase, we must hear the word of God. Hearing means listening with attention. God will send a word to challenge you in your present situation.
I am so thankful that even though I had my fair share of sleeping through services as a child, I decided to grow up and listen to the word. My life has changed for the better because I chose to listen and to obey God’s word. If you’re in need of a change, allow God to speak to your life. Find a good Bible-based church and listen to the word of the Lord. Romans 10:17 says, “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”
Hayes is the pastor of New Day Outreach Ministry and president of the United Ministerial Alliance.