Be Receptive

But let no one dispute; let no one argue, for My case is against you priests. You will stumble by day; the prophet will also stumble with you by night. And I will destroy your mother. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will reject you from serving as My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your sons. Hosea 4:4-6

A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples on a silver tray. A wise correction to a receptive ear is like a gold ring or an ornament of gold. Proverbs 25:11-12

Much to the angst of many teachers and mentors in my life, I’ve had a pattern of “knowing better” that tends to undermine correction. I tend to be a ready, fire, aim, kind of man, which does not bode well when it comes to the classroom. Let me try and fail first; then I will listen to what you have to say. Early in my hunting career, I was a flock shooter. I would see a cluster of birds and merely unload my gun in the group. The problem with this was that I rarely hit any. My dad gently reminded me to pick one out, point, and fire.

Unreceptive men are incredibly frustrating to those around them. You can almost feel it in words written by Hosea to the people of God. If they would just listen, that would be a game changer. Being receptive creates an opportunity to improve with a shotgun or in your spiritual life. To break cycles of sin, grow spiritually, and get better, men have to strengthen the muscle of receptivity. A man who listens is the man decorated with progress and achievement.

DO THIS TODAY: Ask someone to share with you one way to improve your spiritual life. Listen to them.