Are You Listening Sufficiently?

Exodus 20:19
19 and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die."

I don't think that we do it consciously all the time, but we certainly don't spend enough time listening to God. God leads us, but we don't always follow what he's telling us to do. It's really a sign of our (lack of) authentic love and respect for him when this happens. Jesus tell us in the New Testament, that if we love him, we will abide by his commandments. When you think about it, it's at least a little humiliating how many times we disown God.

What is it that frightens us about listening to God? We may be able to listen to one sermon a week at church, yet we can't even let God speak for himself directly to us at all. Is it because we feel too obligated to follow his commandments as if there's no way out whereas if it's a Pastor, for example, we feel it's just an optional direction aid? Commonly, I do think that is the problem. Christians and even those who don't believe, have no interest in growing in faith because they think there are too many rules. However, it all comes down to loving the Lord with all your heart because essentially when you love, you obey. Therefore, it's really not "too many rules."

God loves you like a child - for you are his child. Trust me, once you finally take the time to listen, you'll ask "Why didn't I make time for this previously?" Go ahead and start listening to God now before too much shame overwhelms you. Then again, I suppose for some it's still considered a possible option.