“3Hear therefore, O Israel, and be careful to do them, that it may go well with you, and that you may multiply greatly, as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has promised you, in a land flowing with milk and honey. 4Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.” – Deuteronomy 6:3-4 (ESV)
I have to think about all of the times that I have simply heard the noise coming from someone and not really paid attention to do that which they were asking or indicating. I specifically think back to my childhood and all of the disobedience that came as a result of my ignoring the wisdom of my parents. They would say not to do something and I would do it anyway which led to, at minimum, punishment for disobedience.
I read and study the words of Moses here and realize that obedience is not just hearing the noise, but listening to the wisdom of those with experience. They have been through it before and they speak with understanding. Not just of the event, but of the consequences that come with doing.
There are things that are good to learn on our own, and frankly, it is good to experience adversity and difficulty. But why set ourselves up to fail and experience heavy difficulty, when following those that have already experienced and learning from their mistakes.
In the passage where these verses are found, Moses is reviewing again the greatest commandment:
“5You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all you soul and with all you might.” – Deuteronomy 6:5 (ESV)
This commandment is not just about loving the Lord, but as noted in verses 4 and 5, it is about hearing and obeying. And the only way to truly hear and obey is to deeply listen, understand and act on what is being said.
I have heard the Word of the Lord for almost 50 years and when I take a look, I ask myself, have I been listening? Have I been understanding? Have I been acting?
The reality is that only in some areas and at some times have I been, and others I have not. And when being honest with myself, this is why I continue having those times of deep struggle. When I avoid listening, understanding, and acting, I am subject to the consequences that God was directing me away from.
When you really take stock in your life, have you heard those around you that were speaking from experience? Have you been listening, understanding, and acting on the commandments of God? Are you in a place to hear and do as God commands to avoid the consequences He already knows are there?
Trevor's Thoughts 