As an adult or as a parent, we teach a child how to listen, or the difference between hearing and listening. We all can recall a time when our classroom environment had grown disruptive, and no one was listening to the teacher. The call to quiet down fell on deaf ears and students continued to use their outside voices inside. A shift would occur when the disposition of the teacher changed, and his/her facial expression became serious. The loud voices would become whispers, and whispers faded into silence. The teacher after gaining control of the classroom would transition by saying Thank you for listening.
Hearing vs. Listening
Hearing and listening are two related words that are sometimes used interchangeably, but hold different meanings.
Yes, you hear me. But, are you listening?
Webster defines hearing as:
- The process, function, or power of perceiving sound; specifically: the special sense by which noises and tones are received as stimuli
We see that hearing by definition takes on a scientific meaning, yielding only to the scientific process of hearing sound. A science article describes it as “a complex process that involves many parts of the ear working together to convert sound waves into information that the brain understands and interprets as sounds.”
As Christians, we hear roughly 52 sermons a year. Not including absences or sermons, we listen to on our own time. If we consider the number of sermons we have heard this year, how many of them did we actually listen to?
The scientific meaning of hearing is absent of obligation and responsibility, and lacks connection. Because hearing is “a complex process that involves many parts of the ear working together to convert sound waves into information that the brain understands and interprets as sounds.”
All the sermons and wise counsel that we have heard over the years if we did not yield to obedient after hearing it; are merely white noise to the hearer with no intention to act.
He that has an ear let him hear
Jesus throughout his ministry was recorded multiple time saying, “He that hath an ear let him hear.”
In the Greek Concordance, hear: means akouo.
Which is referring to the primary verb; to hear
- to attend to, consider what is or has been said.
- to understand, perceive the sense of what is said.
Webster confirms this truth in its definition of Listen:
Archaic: to give ear to: hear
To listen
- to hear something with thoughtful attention: give consideration
- listen to a plea
- to be alert to catch an expected sound
God wants us to do the verb, he wants us to listen. Romans 6:16 says “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness?” God is more interested in what we do with the sound or the information that we hear.
The act of listening is obedience. We see this in Deuteronomy 28:1-2 “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you because you obey the voice of the Lord your God.”
Our heavenly Father wants us to obey him. “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” Luke 6:46
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20. Listen is to do and to do is to obey.
Let’s talk, do you think that there is a difference between hearing and listening? Do you think listening is directly connected to obedience why or why not? And, how does hearing God and not listening to God hurt us in our Christian walk? Looking forward to reading your comments and continuing this conversation below.
Thank you so much, I understand that what I’ve heard I must take it to consideration. I must act on the word of God as a seed so that the word can produce what God has send for.
I agree with everyone, tho I am still wanting to know why the bible uses the word “hear” instead of “listen”.
Good stuff right here!! Thank you so much for sharing❤️
Although we hear God with our ears;but I strongly believe that the only way to truly listen to God is from our hearts
Hi John,
Great observation! I agree that when we love the Lord with all of our heart, mind, and strength, we listen and obey.
Agreed! Our heart must want to submit to our Father ❤️.
Amen! I believe that listening is directly connected to obedience because it says in James 1:22
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
Great verse Trish 🙂 James 1:22 definitely shows us that listening is connected to obedience.