Listen & Learn

Pastor Matti's message yesterday night was one that must never get old for any of us!
He gave several examples in the Gospels of people who loved Jesus and were excited about Him, and yet responded in various incorrect ways to His words or actions. For example, the woman who wanted Jesus to promise her that her two sons would be seated on each side of Him in His kingdom. She wasn't listening. Instead, she wanted to obtain some kind of security for her family and to make following Christ into some kind of religion, with structure, complex rules and personalities.
But Jesus constantly emphasized hearing, listening and obeying His words. There is a difference between just hearing and choosing to listen and receive the Word. When we really listen to what God has to say to us, we learn and grow. When we really listen, we receive something personal and something that can never be taken away from us. When we listen, we are owning up to the responsibility we have to heed God's word. When we listen, our faith is strengthened as our knowledge of Him increases. When we listen, we gain an eternal perspective on our lives. When we listen, REALLY listen, we have no choice but to obey with all our hearts!
As believers, we don't HAVE to listen to God. But if we don't, we will find ourselves with a small religion instead of a living personal relationship with the God of the universe. It is our privilege and our choice.