Pay Attention

4-3-2012 by Boyd Bailey

Pay Attention


“My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen well to my words of insight…” Proverbs 5:1

Pay attention to the wise and discerning around you. They have perspective that penetrates through your bias and blind spots. If you ignore their admonishments you may miss God’s best, or at worst spend a long time recovering from a raw deal. Wisdom is a watchman that keeps us from entering into unfit relationships. Beware of those who want you for what they need only, with no regard for the needs of others.

Pay attention, so you don’t get sucked into a situation that requires prolonged effort down an unproductive path. Cut your losses quickly, and leave the consequences in Christ’s hands. For example, tell someone ‘no’ to an opportunity that does not seem right, even if the promised results are positive. Pay attention to wise counsel, so you don’t later worry if you did the right thing. You maintain discretion and preserve knowledge, as you take time to listen and learn.

“He said, “If you listen carefully to the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you.” Exodus 15:26

Above all else, pay attention to the promptings of the Holy Spirit who is at home in your heart and mind. He is the Almighty’s ambassador, in charge of leading you into the ways of wisdom. Therefore, watch for His confirmation of right, and His conviction of wrong. Pay attention, because the Holy Spirit waters wisdom with insight and understanding. Wisdom grows in a life submitted to the guidance of God’s spirit.

Finally, pay attention to the teaching of your pastor or priest, for they are messengers of the Lord. Their role is to relay to you the truth of God, so make sure to attend church where Christ is worshipped, and you are clearly and practically instructed from the Bible. Pastors who are gifted teachers, and who prayerfully prepare each Sunday, present a spiritual smorgasbord, so starving souls are satisfied by the wisdom of God. Pay attention to a Pastor you respect, who teaches wisdom well, and who God uses to transform your thinking and behavior.

“For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and men should seek instruction from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts” (Malachi 2:7, NASB).

Prayer: Who currently has my attention that shouldn’t, and who do I need to listen to more intently, with a goal to change?

Related Readings: Genesis 49:2; Mark 4:23; James 1:19; Revelation 2:7-11