Christian Living

Open My Ears

by paul hoffmaster
11/30/22
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Our ears are trained to hear only things that are compatible with our own morals and standards.    Try getting Believers from different churches to discuss Biblical themes or doctrines.  What you will see are “denominational” or “non-denominational” shields lifted to deflect the hearsay of the deceived.  Have we really come to the place where we think we have arrived at a total understanding of God’s Word?  Is there no room to hear differing opinions?  Have we so solidified our Faith that there is no need to hear what other Christians believe?  I am not talking about the basics of Faith (milk), but the growth of our Faith (meat) (Hebrews 5:12-14).  I am not talking about new teachings, but old teachings that have been passed over or ignored.  I am not talking about “new age,” but “old age” truths.  Attempting to change one’s opinion of doctrines and beliefs is not what I am talking about, but an attempt to get someone to at least look at the Scriptures with an open mind and heart. 

Jesus talked about old wineskins and clothes.  He stated that if you tried to put new wine into an old skin it would eventually break open the bag.  The same thing with trying to sew new material into an old cloth, for it would rent the garment. (Mark 2:21, 22)  When we are afraid to build upon our Faith we will limit our ability to grow in our Faith.  When we fail to open our eyes and ears to the building material of our Faith, our one-story attitude will offer little solace to those seeking the Truth. (I recommend, if you can find a Hymn Book today, Clara Scott’s Hymn: “Open My Eyes That I May See.”)  When we are afraid to hear beyond our comfort zones, we do a great disservice not only to ourselves and others but to the One we serve. 

Why are people hesitant to hear what other Christians are expounding?  I guess if one’s Faith is unstable there will be a hesitation to experience anything outside their box of understanding.  If you have a solid wall of Faith, nothing can crumble your Faith, while on the other hand if what you hear illuminates the Scripture, your wall will become even stronger.  Believers must never try to debate their Scriptural understanding, but be willing to share and listen to one another.  The Holy Spirit will be the confirmer of what is true and what is false.

I remember in the early stages of my spiritual journey I jumped on the “tradition train” and believed everything I heard and read.  I was like the Apostle Paul who had confirmed his alliance with the Jewish Faith, but his understanding was limited to tradition.  Through the witness of another Believer, I jumped off the train and followed the Biblical road.  He offered me unfiltered glasses so that I could see the whole Truth!  His humble and loving spirit broke my barrier of resistance.  Since that day my journey has been filled with unspeakable joy and happiness. 

Group Bible studies are meant to be a time of sharing and discovering God’s Word.  It is not a time for debate, but a time of discovery and personal growth.  It is not a time to promote Christian books, but a time to look into the Word itself.  Let us learn to hear.  Let us learn to share.  The Holy Spirit is our guide.  Let us listen with expectation!