1:54 min read |

Have your ears ever gotten you into trouble?

Yes, your ears! We often think about the trouble our mouth causes, but seldom think about the messes we get into because we don’t put proper filters on our ears. Since we have two ears and one mouth, our listening may actually double our risk for spiritual and emotional pollution.

Think about all the various things we listen to that have a destructive impact on us—gossip, hateful words, negative comments, profanity, behind-the-back comments about others, doubts, fears, cynicism, and all kinds of other messages. Whether we passively allow these words into our system or actively engage them, they have an effect. They drain us of spiritual strength and leave us emotional depleted. Listening to the wrong things can erode your character and steal your destiny.

In the Old Testament, there is an example of the destructive nature of what people hear. As the Israelites were preparing to enter the Promised Land, Moses allowed 12 spies to check out Canaan first. 10 of these men returned with a negative report. The people listened to this report and believed it. Take a look at the impact of their words recorded in Deuteronomy 1;27, 28 (NIV) “…Our brothers have made our hearts melt in fear. They say, ‘The people are stronger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the sky. We even saw the Anakites [giants] there.’”

Not only did the 10 spies speak negatively about the Promised Land, the people listened! Because they listened, they forfeited their opportunity to enter into Canaan. They failed to filter the negative! Their ears got them into trouble.

In life, it’s not only important to pay close attention to what you say. You also need to pay close attention to what you hear. Put some filters over your ears. Shut out the things that can erode your character or destroy your destiny!

Pastor Dale

Tweet