When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, "Hear Me, everyone, and understand: There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man.
Mark 7:14-15
We are all very busy people, pulled in many different directions by distractions that, at times, hinder our ability to hear the Lord. But despite all the distractions, Jesus is speaking to us.
Jesus says here two things that are so important for us to remember. First, He says, "Hear Me." In Mark 7:16, Jesus says, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." Jesus is talking to you and with you, so you need to be in a place where you can hear Him. He is there with you, right now, as you read this. Make it a priority to find that quiet place where you can just listen to Him.
The second thing Jesus says is, "Understand." Not only does Jesus want to be heard, but He wants you to understand what He's saying to you. He is communicating deep, rich, and important truths to you that will change your life. Not only do you want to be in a place to hear those things, but you need to understand them, take them to heart, and let them soak into you.
You may be involved in a lot of religious activities, and you may have bumper stickers that say so. But none of these things mean that you have a relationship with the Lord, or that you are listening to, and heeding, His words. Jesus is giving you words of comfort and encouragement. He is giving you words to help you through life. Listen to Him, and take to heart what He's saying.
