One thing writing a blog has taught me is that sometimes I am going to find my own words featured on the menu. Someone close to me, or even the Lord reminds me of something I have shared with others that needs immediate application in my own life.
We can get into a funk when the truth of God’s words seems to have little more impact on us than when we robotically repeated the Pledge of Allegiance every morning during our school days.
There is a danger in being surrounded by all things Christian that can sneak up on us when we least expect it. That danger comes when we are immersed in a godly culture but we are failing to make the necessary practical application.
Jesus gives us the challenge:
Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand! Matthew 11:15
When Jesus says something once we better listen, when he repeats it 3 times we better make sure we are comprehending and applying it.
He uses similar wording in the Book of Revelation 7 times.
Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. Revelation 2:7, 2:11, 2:17, 2:29; 3:6, 3:13, 3:22
A two-stage process is laid out before us. Assuming we all have ears, our first challenge is to actually listen.
Every day we hear many sounds. Some sounds we completely ignore, others annoy us, some are more pleasant. Hearing requires only our presence. Jesus commands us to not only hear but to listen.
Listening is an active choice to focus our attention on whatever we are hearing. Active listening is the first requirement to understanding.
Listening requires discipline. My mind can be rather prone to wool gathering when I should be concentrating on what is happening around me.
While listening is a great place to start, it is pretty useless without comprehension. Listening to a lecture in a foreign language is possible but comprehending it is far less likely.
Why does Jesus not include the need for application? My summation is that application is assumed with understanding. Surely when someone hears and understands a command from Jesus the logical response is to begin applying the principles to their life.
You would assume that the crowds following Jesus were hanging on his every word. Some were there for the food, some seeking a miracle without necessarily wanting relationship, some were genuinely trying to figure out who he was and what he was speaking to them.
It was to this last group that Jesus was primarily speaking. If they had been in a modern classroom perhaps Jesus would have told them that they probably want to write this down because it just might show up on a test!
As we walk through this life we will all find ourselves struggling from time to time. The trust in the care of the Lord that we know should be our constant companion sometimes needs a boost.
It is during these times that the godly council and advice we have shared with those around us might find its way back to us, sometimes from the very lips of those we first encouraged.
If we find ourselves saying I know God is faithful but…
I know God is always with me but… I know I am forgiven but… an application of Scripture that we have already heard and understand is probably the cure.
Just in case you think your situation is the exception to the rule, or just a bit too extreme for this application:
David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the LORD his God. 1 Samuel 30:6
I doubt any of us has faced anything on the same level as David. As we face our fears down it is imperative that we remove the “but’s” from our statements of faith. I know God is faithful, I know God is always with me, I know I am forgiven, I know God has this precarious circumstance under control.
This child’s song speaks volumes of truth:
Jesus loves me
This I know
For the Bible tells me so
That’s all we need. The Word of God is true. We can trust God to stay true to everything in there!
So my question for each of us today is: In what areas of our lives do we need to apply the biblical counsel that we have given to others?
When the answer is slow to come, when direction is uncertain, when we grow weary in the waiting, listening to the Word of God and understanding Who we are trusting can reinforce our position allowing us to stay steady in the fray.
Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8
Apples of Gold 
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