Proverbs 21:13
Whoso stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
Humans have a certain way of creating around themselves an atmosphere of their own design, a sort of bio-dome. One that is free of contaminants, problems, hurt, pain, poverty, sickness, confusion, and general weakness. We too often hear what we want to hear, go where we want to go, and then retire behind the doors of our castles. We sometimes do this with little regard to the outside world that is at work with us, at school with us, at the store with us, at church with us, and even right next door to us. Our tendency is to become islands to ourselves with the thought in mind of self-preservation. If we are not careful, in some ways our lives can become one big parade that is all about me and mine!
God can’t bless a door that is closed. Information, money, happiness, love, joy, peace, and righteousness all flow into open channels and open hearts, not closed ones. When we shut our ears from the world around us, we shut out our opportunity to be heard as well, for what goes around comes around. What we sow – we shall without doubt also reap. It is a law of God’s design, and it is very real!
What is interesting about this particular proverb is that it really is not a call to action as much as it is a call to simply listen. Sometimes people don’t want you to solve their problems. They just want you to care and sympathize with them. Most of the time we have the ability to solve our own problems in one way or another. However, it is always a blessing to have someone to go to, with whom you can confide and draw wisdom. Many of our societal problems are solved by simply having a good talk. So, open up and let people in. Let the world around you know that you are hospitable, and welcome them into your life. Be an open door for someone in need right next to you that you might not even know is there, because that person might just be you!
Pastor Lavaughn
