Ears that Hear


Did you hear the story about the old man who suffered a gradual hearing loss over the 
years?  The man's condition finally got so bad that he was forced to seek medical help.  
The doctor's diagnosis was that the particular nature of this man's hearing loss could be 
easily compensated for with the technology of the latest hearing aids.

After several months with his "new ears," the man returned to the doctor for a check-up.  
When asked how his family had responded to his recovered hearing ability, the man 
said, "Oh, they don't know about it.  I just sit around and listen to all their conversations.  
I've changed my will three times so far."

Have you ever assumed that people around you are deaf and that feelings are numb?  
Would you speak differently if you knew you were being overheard?  Would "accidental" 
listeners be encouraged and uplifted or discouraged and hurt?

There's an old saying that "honey catches more flies than vinegar."  Verses from the 
book of Psalms say it even better.  "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul 
and healing to the bones." (16:24)   "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in 
settings of silver."  (25:11)

Watch your words this week.  Avoid complaining, bitterness and negative remarks.  
Make your words sweet and healing.  New ears may be listening.  ANY ears may be 
listening.  Most importantly, God has never had a hearing problem!