We have no Earlids!

 

Marshall McLuhan makes an unusual observation about our ears and how they relate to 'hearing' and 'listening.' In his comments he states the obvious that God never created any 'earlids' for humans. We have eyelids to protect our eyes and to help us 'block out' anything visual, but we can't do the same with our ears.

"We hear sounds from everywhere, without ever having to focus.
Sounds come from “above,” from “below,” from in “front” of us, from “behind” us, from our “right,” from our “left.” We can‘t shut out sound automatically. We simply are not equipped with earlids."

The reason I share this with us today is because there is a profound difference between 'hearing' and 'listening.' Barring those who are hearing-impaired, most people will 'hear' things, but tune out the sounds they don't want to engage with. However, when there are sounds we like or are prepared to focus on, then we start to listen more attentively.  

This principle then applies to our Christian faith too. We can't use the excuse that we couldn't receive God's message, because our 'earlids' blocked it out. That is a poor and unfounded excuse. What tends to happen is that we choose to receive some messages from God and then ignore those that don't seem nice. Essentially we are in danger of having Selective Spiritual Hearing!

Proverbs 8:32-35 -
Listen to my instruction and be wise;
    do not disregard it.
Blessed are those who listen to me,
    watching daily at my doors,
    waiting at my doorway.
For those who find me find life
    and receive favor from the Lord.

Living in Grace
D3LM3