Pay Attention… “Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach.” Proverbs 22:17
Pay attention to the wise people around you. It may be a child, a co-worker, a corporate executive, a custodian, a critic or a caregiver. The Lord places people in our lives who are full of truth and insight, but we have to be looking and listening to benefit. You may not like their tone of voice, but don’t lose the truth of their words. Wisdom is waiting for an entrance into your ears, so listen expectantly and invite it into your understanding.
Pay attention to the current circumstances surrounding you. What is the Almighty saying in the middle of adversity and trials? Is His will to give up or to go on? How can you be creative since past strategies have lost their momentum? If something is not working, wisdom says to try something else. Attention to raw reality is enough reason to evaluate and become better. Perhaps you enroll in graduate school, or sell a high maintenance asset. It’s during downturns when we are more determined to be the most effective.
Pay attention to your limitations, focus on less and learn to accept nothing less than excellence. As you grow older and your energy level decreases, your wisdom level should increase. Thus, it’s imperative that wisdom moves from your head to your heart. Truth is the most freeing when it is transformative. The transition of truth from your head to your heart brings change. How is Christ changing you? Have you learned to become better?
Lastly, pay attention to the opportunities around you. Opportunities to serve, give, pray, encourage, rebuke, listen, learn, love, steward, invest, spend and save. Normally you find what you are looking for and you receive what you expect. Therefore, pray for the Holy Spirit to make you keenly aware of His leadership and work. Pay attention to the still small voice of Providence and obey, “And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12, KJV). In what environments do I best hear the voice and wisdom of God? How often will I go there?
Related Readings: Psalm 49:3; Proverbs 2:2-5; Isaiah 55:3; Matthew 17:5
Transformational Living
What did I learn from the Lord in today’s Bible reading?
How will I respond?
