How do You Listen?

No one, after lighting a lamp, covers it with a basket or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand so that one who come in may see the light. For nothing is concealed that won't be revealed, and nothing hidden that won't be made known and come to light. Therefore take care how you listen. For whoever has, more will be given to him; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will b taken away from him. Luke 8:16-18

Verse 16 begs me to share my light, the new life and the new revelation of God that I have found. I cannot hide this light as it will come out eventually. So that those who are outside of Christ may come in.

Next we are admonished to take care as to how we listen. Listening is an art, often we are consumed with our own self-talk, worries and concerns. Yet if we lay them aside and keep our eyes on Jesus, when He speaks we can hear, truely hear. It is importent that I hear what He is saying and not contrive a different answer. For if I do that then I am thoroughly confused and can fall into error.

There were two sister: Martha and Mary. Martha was consumed with much preparation for her visitors, whereas Mary sat at Jesus' feet and listened. As a woman I had to come to this place. So often I was consumed with preparation, when what does it matter? People would be happy with a courteous cup of cold water than a frantic cup of tea, a cold chicken and salad than a distraught and unhappy atmosphere.

We are then given a warning: be careful how you hear, if you aren't you could lose even what you did hear, if you neglect the care of such a treasure. It will be given to another person and you will lack, truely lack!