Have you ever talked to some one that is not paying attention? It is so frustrating! Even more so if you are trying to explain the process of performing a task. And afterwards, they look at you blankly and ask simple questions that are indicative that they did not pay attention. A strong resemblance to my children sometimes. Sadly, a strong resemblance of me when it comes to living a Christian life.
Solomon describes a two part process above: hearing wisdom and applying to your heart. The first phase of the process is listening for the right things - not everything that comes along but those nuggets of wisdom scattered among background noise of everyday life. We often tune out everything vice selectively listening to those things that strengthen our walk with Christ. (Kind of like planning your upcoming week vice listening to the sermon). We need to actively seek out those items associated with strengthening our Christian life and discard the chatter of the world.
The second phase is applying it to our heart so that we understand it. We can attend the most inspirational service, hear the most invigorating sermon and walk out the door. If we do not apply it to our heart, come Monday morning, it was a waste of time. We have to apply what we learn to our hearts so that it changes our perspective and modifies our behavior. Otherwise, the pastor's effort was for naught. The same applies to daily reading of the Bible. If we only read and do not apply it to our heart, it will provide minimal results.
I encourage you to seek out those nuggets of wisdom and apply them to your life. The results will be physical, spiritual and emotional change. The results are proportional to your effort. Join me today in not only hearing but applying God's word to your life.
