"So be careful how you listen; for whoever has (a teachable heart) to him more (understanding) will be given; and whoever does not have ( a longing for truth) even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him." Luke 8:18 Amplified Study Bible
This verse has been so misinterpreted over the years. It is often quoted that God gives many possessions to one and takes things away from another. I suppose we've all heard things like, 'Oh yes, the Lord gives and the Lord takes.' This is not true. It is not about materialism but about spirituality.
To be only hearers of God's word and not doers, can lead to destruction. What is the use of knowing it all if we never put it into operation. It's like knowing how to drive a car but never getting into the driver's seat and driving off. We need to hear and then live the life putting God's word out into the world; showing people that because of Jesus, we are different and so can they be. Do you remember the story of the man who built his house on the sand, with no firm foundation? It fell in during the stormy weather conditions and he lost all. Luke 6:49.
We need to hear properly when God speaks; when we hear Him through bible reading or sermons or in our hearts. We then need to receive it with gladness and we will be given much more. Have you ever had that wonderful feeling that you just want to read more and more about Jesus - you just can't get enough. This is what I'm saying. The more we hear, the more we will receive.
More of what, some may say? More desire to hear God's word and a clearer understanding of what He is saying to us. The more we do this, the more we will receive. If we lose this habit through neglect, then the harder it will be to get it back. We can lose that special place with God.
One word of warning, we need to be careful that we don't fool ourselves that we know it all; we've read the bible through six times and know all the key verses. That can be like the Pharisee. They had plenty of head knowledge but it didn't come from the heart. We need to receive heart knowledge and we only receive this by working at it daily. Take for instant an athlete. He or she will work out daily, for many hours until they are really fit and well-toned. If they then neglect this, their body will become flabby. This is how it will be for the person who doesn't work out in God's word.
Be careful that you don't neglect what God wants to give you - and that is a lot. You have got to put in, to be able to take out, and believe me, God wants to give you the best of things.
Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard
No comments:
Post a Comment
Leave a message