"He who has ears to hear let him hear ... " continued #3

Real hearing ...results from a real desire for truth.  Only a wise person wants truth at any cost; no matter what loss it might bring. You need to make a concerted decision to set aside what you want to be true ... and evaluate critically what IS true; what MIGHT be true; what is DOUBTFUL; and what is false. If it's a complicated or serious situation make lists. 

Become someone that others trust. If you really hear ... then others will listen.

I force myself to lean a touch to the direction I DON'T want it to go just to overcome my blindness. Right now I'm reading about global warming. My tendency is to think the warming is primarily natural  fluctuations. I can feel my heart jump for joy when I find something tending  to verify that conclusion :) ... therefore, I need to beware & be honest with myself. I would rather know the truth than be right. Then I WILL be right :)

False hearing threatens you in every single area of life. Think for one moment about each one. 

Reading Scientific Articles          Scientists often (usually) have preconceived ideas and agendas.

Listening to your child's side of a story   Help him see from the other person's view.

Listening to political speakers    :):)

Listening to adults side of the story    Even those that are reliably honest; what are they not considering important enough to relate?

Confidante to teen agers?  Beware. They are convincing ... until you talk to their family.

Listening to the news       Very seldom is news objective today; even in non political subjects.

Your own opinions about people      

Re evaluate your opinion of your last conflict    Honestly.

Formulating your theology       I hope you aren't believing what you used to believe just because ... Call out to God & study for yourself.  He IS the originator of our title.

Listening to Christian testimonies

If you have other occasions that come to mind, put them in your comment.

I will be giving verses that will add to your wisdom.  The verses given in #2 (Micky) were great! I think you should copy them down to reread :)    I'm quoting the Bible but those not interested in the Bible can still benefit from the wisdom. Also, please feel free to give wisdom from other sources in comments.

Sometimes we're placed in a situation where we have to make a decision without all the facts. Of course we're assuming you've exhausted all avenues and are under pressure to make an immediate decision which doesn't happen too often.

This verse was a great strength for me ... really, just common sense if you know the Lord; but in a tight spot it helps to have it in words.

Deut 29:29 (New American Standard) The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever . . ."

28(29)  (Complete Jewish Bible)

"Things which are hidden belong to Adonai our God. But the things that have been revealed belong to us and our children forever . . ."

The subject being discussed is the truth God had revealed regarding the law.  Nevertheless ... it is true regarding all secret things.

God cares.  He is in control.  He knows what you don't know. Call out to God for guidance. If He fails to reveal all the facts to you and a decision must be made ... make it based on what He has shared already. If you needed more facts you would have them. He is faithful.  Copy this verse also, you might need it tomorrow. :)

What a relief ... if you don't know, you don't have to know.

More on HEARING later.   The title of this part of the series is a great command.

PS    11-17   I just got back from Jean E's site.  She asked a very discerning question I would like you all to consider. Don't talk off the top of your head. Search your heart & mind ... erase selfishness and look at your partner with hearing eyes. How does he/she show love to you?                 Relationships