selective hearing [from November 3, 2011]

All children seem to suffer from selective hearing at times.
Even God's children:

This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy one of Israel says:

"In repentance and rest is your salvation,

in quietness and trust is your strength,

but you would have none of it. ..."

Isaiah 30:15

I've noticed in myself that some messages are easier to hear than others...

This is what the Lord says:

"Stand at the crossroads and look;

ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is,

and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.

But you said, 'We will not walk in it.' ..."

Jeremiah 6:16

...some calls I respond to quickly, some I spiritually place my fingers in my ears and whistle...

While you were doing all these things, declares the Lord,

I spoke to you again and again, but you did not listen;

I called you, but you did not answer.

Jeremiah 7:13

As with our own children, selective hearing has its consequences.

Missed opportunities, subsequent discipline, tighter boundaries.

Spiritually, as God's children, we also suffer the consequences of selective hearing... hardened hearts.

"But they refused to pay attention;

stubbornly they turned their backs and stopped up their ears.

They made their hearts as hard as flint

and would not listen to the law or to the words

that the Lord Almighty had sent by his Spirit...

Zechariah 7:11, 12

When we refuse to listen... when we choose our own way rather than God's... when we say "I believe" but our actions speak otherwise... we harden our hearts.

So, as the Holy Spirit says:

"Today, if you hear his voice,

do not harden your hearts..."

Hebrews 3:8