Listen, do you want to hear God?

Ah Kong and James

The Hebrew word for the Bible is “Miqra”. This is rooted to the verb “qara” which means “to call”. The Bible is not just a repository of spiritual information, not just a book to carry around, but also a voice to listen to. We should read the Bible in the anticipation of listening to the voice of God which we should obey and so live our lives.

At no time am I more aware of the dynamics of listening and obeying than in watching my grandson, James, grow up. Today we are on our way to Australia’s Mornington Peninsula near Melbourne. I watch James at breakfast. I observe the interplay between the child and his mother. Mother gives, sometimes shouts, instructions. James hears, listens, and obeys. Most times, James respond to his mother’s call in faith. He understands that his mum means well for him and he sees no reason not to respond positively to her instructions.

However, at two years old, James is starting to have a mind of his own. So, there are times when he wants to exert his will and takes on a personal response which may not always bring him in alignment with his Mum. James is also exposed to the extended family. He listens to the voices of his father, grandparents and beyond us to other adult voices. Our voices are shaping him, molding his character and conscience; these are the healthy dynamics of growing a child.

The Bishop Robert Solomon in his new book 'The Conscience' stated “The conscience is like a divine spark in human beings, but it has been dulled and neglected and require the Logos (Word) in the revelation of the Scriptures and Christ to be revived and renewed.” Coming from Christian roots, we hope by example and gentle persuasion to help James define, a godly conscience with good attitudes and virtues.

All Christians are called of God as advised by St Paul “to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” (Eph 4:1). The word, “worthy” is translated from the Greek word, “axios.” Axios pictures a balancing scale. The items which Paul asked to be in balance, are God’s calling and personal direction. This will be expected of my grandson as of all of us, to keep our walk and God’s call in equilibrium.

Lionel

Ref:  Solomon, Robert M, The Conscience - Rediscovering the Inner Compass Singapore Genesis Books 2010