“Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more” (Mark 4:24 NLT).

THE LISTENING PRINCIPLE

Jesus instructed His disciples to “pay close attention” to His teachings. For the “closer” they listened, the more they would receive understanding from His Word. This principle seems obvious: “listen and learn.” Yet, there is a spiritual component. For Christ is making a promise to those that pay close attention to His teachings that they will be given more and more understanding. This is why we love God’s Word. We read it everyday and everyday it brings new meaning to our lives.