This is the second post of a three-part series from Yvette.
How many of you remember this line, “Do you hear what I hear?” That line is from the song with the same title. Do you ever think about the things you listen to? Songs, TV Shows, the News, Movies, or Social Media? We listen to things and do not consider how our subconscious absorbs those things.
Remember the old saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”? We have learned that words can hurt, so what about the other things we hear?
Then Jesus began to speak to them. ‘The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!’” – Luke 4:21.
If scripture is fulfilled in our hearing, then what are you hearing? Are the words you hear something to lift you? The Bible at times uses the word edify, which means to instruct or improve, to teach, enlighten, or build them up, especially in a moral, spiritual, or intellectual way, promoting their growth and well-being.
The things we listen to should lift, improve, and teach us. This is something we should be doing for the Body of Christ. There are things we hear that can shape our own words. In our conversations, we tend to share things we have heard. Again, the question is: What are we sharing?
Those who walk righteously and speak what is right, who reject gain from extortion and keep their hands from accepting bribes, who stop their ears against the plots of murder and shut their eyes against contemplating evil” – Isaiah 33:15.
These words refer to either avoiding or accepting acts of wrongdoing. When we choose to listen to things that reflect negativity in any shape, fashion, or form, we invite that negativity into our lives.
We should make an active choice to steer clear of gossip, corrupting influences, or things that are not in alignment with Christian principles. You may ask what Christian principles?
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” – Philippians 4:8.
We should focus on things that lift us. Listen to things that make you smile, that help you remember God’s love, the beauty of the things around you, and remember that the things you hear the impact you have not only on a physical level but also on a spiritual level.
So, faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” – Romans 10:17.
Continue growing your faith and lifting those around you by listening to things that will grow you and grow those around you. Your faith can blossom and bloom into something you will not recognize. Let your faith become all that Jesus spoke of.
Yvette Asplund gave her life to God and was Baptized in April of 1999 and strives to continue to grow in her relationship with Him.