The Ear Buds

… consider carefully how you listen

Lk 8:18

My new phone had arrived, always a good moment. I carefully peeled the protective plastic from the screen and marvelled at its sleek lines, then spotted it didn’t have a headphone socket! How did I not see that coming? I’d no option but to join the ear bud community.

Everyone seems to have ear buds in these days. Which presumably means everyone is listening to something. I wonder what? Because it really matters.

What we listen to influences how we feel, our moods, our responses to people and events, and most importantly, the things we think deeply about. Remember, a person is a direct product of what they think deeply about (Prov 23:6-7).

What are you listening to?  I mean, really listening to, not just the hum of your background music. What are you leaning into? Whose opinions are you adopting? What causes are you getting stirred up about? And is it making you a better person?

I’d recommend listening to God’s Word, the Bible – freely available on various apps. And to worship music, which lifts your soul and embeds spiritual truth in your heart. And to good teaching, preaching and stories of God’s goodness on podcasts and audiobooks. And don’t forget the power of a good face-to-face conversation with those you love and share common faith with. In it all, listen to Jesus.

As James taught, let’s be ‘quick to listen’ (Jas 1:19)… pop those ear buds in, by all means. But always remember the words of Jesus and ‘consider carefully how you listen’ (Lk 8:18)

#lifeisaparable