My dog is pretty clever. He remembers every person who has ever given him a treat. He knows the names of all our favorite people—and his favorite people, too. We’ve learned to spell certain words around him to keep him from getting too worked up. He even gets extra excited in the car when he figures out where we’re going based on the route we take.

Yet, for all he understands, there are still moments when he simply doesn’t listen. I’ll call him to come inside, and he doesn’t even glance my way. I’ll tell him, “No begging at the dinner table,” and he’ll just widen his puppy-dog eyes. It’s not that he doesn’t hear or understand—he’s just choosing not to listen because he doesn’t want to do what’s being asked of him!

And if I’m honest, my stubborn dog isn’t the only one who practices selective hearing. Sometimes, I do too—even when God is the one speaking to me.

In Matthew chapter 13, we find Jesus teaching a large crowd. He told them many stories in the form of parables, including the parable of the farmer scattering seed. When Jesus is done teaching, His disciples ask Him why He teaches in parables (Matthew 13:1-10). Jesus replies,

“For they look, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand. This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says, ‘When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend. For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes—so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.” (Matthew 13:13-15, NLT)

Even people in Jesus’ time practiced selective hearing! They heard Jesus’ parables but didn’t seek to understand their meaning. When we read the Word or spend time in God’s presence, are we truly listening to what He’s saying—or are we simply hearing the words? When we truly open our hearts and minds to God’s Word, the Holy Spirit may bring conviction—and that conviction often calls us to change.

Have you ever practiced selective hearing when God is speaking to you? When God speaks, we don’t want to ignore it! Even if what He’s asking of us seems like more than we want to do, or are capable of doing, remember: He’s calling us into something better—His presence, His healing, and His peace.

Starting today, let’s guard against selective hearing in our faith. May we have “ears to hear” so that we can both listen and understand (Matthew 13:9). When Jesus stands at the door of our heart and knocks, may we hear His voice and open the door so He can come in (Revelation 3:20).

Father God, by the power of Your Spirit, guard our hearts against selective hearing. Help us truly hear Your Word—not just with our ears, but with open hearts and willing minds. Increase our understanding so we may experience Your healing and walk in Your freedom.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)

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Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.