Day 352

December 18th
Hebrews 4:14-7:28.  “Listening”
“You are young only once, but you can stay immature indefinitely” – Ogden Nash
Hebrews 5:11-14 describes those Christians who are really not living the word in their daily lives.  Actually, according to the author of Hebrews, not only were they not living it, they were not even listening to it (Hebrews 5:11).  
This reminds me of the times when I give my children instruction.  Often my instructions seem to fall on deaf ears only to receive an “I already heard you Dad,” when I repeat myself.  What I now know as a father, and what I hope my young children will soon learn, is that truly hearing something implies a response with appropriate action, namely obedience.
So how do you respond to your Heavenly Father?  Do you attempt to ignore Him as long as possible trying to fulfill your selfish desires?  Do you listen and yet choose your own path?  Do you listen and yet forget to do what He has asked of you?  
Remember, that to listen to the word of God without living out the word is not really listening at all.