from hearing to listening

In Luke 11:28 a woman wanted to make a religion around
the mother of Jesus.
He responded plainly saying that more blessed are those
who hear the word of God and keep it.
Religious rituals bring a sense of security into people’s life.
Keeping the rules gives a feeling of achievement, but doesn’t
bring any satisfaction into a relationship.
Samuel taught this lesson to Saul:
“Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice.” I Samuel 15:22
Ritualistic, mechanical obedience doesn’t require continual
listening. A person starts trusting in his own ability to worship God.
A living fellowship with the Savior keeps us in a place where
we don’t just hear his word, but listen to it.
There is a big difference between hearing and listening.
Hearing doesn’t require understanding.
Listening expresses a desire to understand.
Hearing makes us responsible.
Listening shows that we are responsible.
Listening is something that we choose to do.
It requires concentration.
Listening leads to learning.
Maybe I heard him yesterday, but I know that unless I listen
to him today I will not be able to follow him.