The Value Of A "Deaf Ear"

Matt came home from school with a note from his teacher. He had misbehaved in class, and the teacher wanted his mother to know what he had done. 

After reading the note, his mother said, “Son, why did you trip James as he was walking to his desk?” 

“It wasn’t my idea, Mom. It was Donald’s,” he responded quickly. 

“Now, Matt, you know that Donald can’t make you do anything,” replied his mother.  

“Well,” he said after a moment’s thought, “it must have been the devil that made me do it.”  

“Son, shame on you. You know that when the devil tempts you, it is important to turn a deaf ear,” she admonished him. 

He put one finger in his left ear and listened to the sound coming from the TV and shook his head. Then he put a finger in his right ear and listened to the sound once again. After a moment, he looked up at his Mom and said smilingly, “Mom, I don’t have a deaf ear.” 

Temptation comes at us from every direction all of the time. It could be something we see or hear or think we would enjoy. But James had the best answer and the surest way to end being tempted: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw close to God and God will draw close to you.” Such a simple solution that it is almost unbelievable! 

But it is neither simple nor unbelievable. Getting close to God requires time, effort, and energy. And God knows, the devil will fight us for each of them. 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, help us to take control of our time and our lives by “seeking first the Kingdom of God.” May we begin each day with Your Word and prayer. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw close to God and God will draw close to you. James 4:7-8  

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