Art of Eternal Listening

Proverbs 1:22-27

Verse 25  …since you disregard all my advice and do not accept my rebuke,…

    We have been talking about the need to listen in different situations in life.  These areas of life are good to listen in but how much more we should be listening to the God of the universe.

    We tend to forget that this life isn’t about this life.  We focus so much of our attention on the things that go into our daily activities that we miss the bigger picture that God wants us to see.  We miss His mission when we are focused on our own.  We spend so much time in our life deciding what we want to do, how we can make our dreams come true, how we can make enough money to buy the house we want and the list could go on and on.  But is that what God is wanting for our lives?

    We too often forget to not only ask God what He wants for our lives but to listen to His guiding.  We have this image of being in charge of our own lives and making them what we think will be best for us.  And by that we really mean what will bring us the biggest paycheck and happiness.  God doesn’t work on earthly finances and He is more about joy than happiness.  He know that when we look to the things of this earth to please us that we are settling for less than best.  He knows that to be financially cared for and provided for – enabling us to do what He has set for us to do – will provide us with a joy that will pale mere happiness.

    If we were to be honest with ourselves, even the best planned life is not based on long-term effectiveness.  We seldom think about how our present decisions will affect our children or grandchildren.  Modern lifestyles aren’t so much about leaving a lasting legacy as much as they are about leaving a large will.  Even what we consider as our faith life isn’t viewed through the lens of generational faith.  Do our kids and grandkids even know about our faith life?  Have we been living so bold for God that those coming after us know that we are His?

    This whole concept of abiding in the Vine requires us to listen to Him and find our life in Him.  We can’t grow deeper in our relationship with Him if we are not listening to Him and seeking His goal for our lives.  We will never grow in our relationship with Him if we are too busy listening to our own desires.

Making It Personal

    How intentional are you about seeking God’s advice in your life?  Whose opinion means more to you – yours or God’s?  What should you be asking God about in your life right now?

Making It Personal Kids

    Why is God’s opinion so important?  Do you ask God to help you make decisions?  What can you ask God for help for today?

Closing Prayer

    Father, we confess the times that we have been more concerned with our desires for our life than we have been to attuned to what You are calling us to.  Give us ears to hear what You are saying.  In Jesus’ name, amen.