Notes From the Pastor's Desk
August 31, 2025
Be Cautious About How You Hear
Luke 8:18 says, “Take heed therefore, how ye hear.” It is important that we hear the Word of God right. Jesus called the Word of God the seed that we sow in people's hearts. The soil is equivalent to the heart of man. Hearing speaks of allowing the Word to change our lives as we spend time in it day by day. There are different kinds of hearers in the Bible.
I. There Are The Careless Hearers
They are indifferent when the message is being spoken. Some at church have their minds on what someone else is wearing or on what someone else is doing. They may have their mind on something they did last week or something they are going to do this week. They may be whispering to their neighbor or using the cell phone to text someone during the service. Their heart and mind is occupied and the message does not have an opportunity to enter. Sometimes they might catch a word of a short sentence, but the devil will come and take that seed away. When it comes to hearing the Word of God a person should not be careless. We should be attentive when the Word of God is preached and taught.
II. There Are The Cursory Hearers
They are what we might call the superficial hearers. They hear briefly but the Word that is taught or preached only rests for a few moments in the heart and mind. What they should be pondering on and meditating upon is short lived and quickly goes in one ear and out the other. This kind of hearer does not have the Word of God in their hearts long enough to take root in his or her life. In this situation, the Word of the Lord is not allowed to take hold of the soul. When temptation comes to that person, he or she is not able to stand in the time of pressure to sin. This kind of hearer gives in easily to sin, yields to the temptation, and falls away from a close life with the Lord. If you are going to do what the Bible says and “stand” (1 Cor. 16:13), you cannot be a superficial hearer. Take the Word of God and you will be strong.
III. There Are Contented Hearers
These accept the message but immediately go forth and permit the cares, riches, and pleasures of this life to choke the Word. This kind of hearer is never a good fruit bearer. Development is hindered in this situation.
IV. There Are Cautious Hearers
These hear with good hearts and give heed to the message. God's truth has first place in this person's heart. This hearer grows and brings forth fruit for Christ. What kind of hearer are you?