walkie or talkie?
"Charge them before God to stop disputing about mere words. This does no good and can be the ruin of those who listen." —2 Timothy 2:14
Millions of people, even Christians, listen to talk shows. The most popular talk shows feature constant controversy, even disputes "about mere words" (2 Tm 2:14). Some people think such talk shows are good. Most people don't see any harm in them. However, the Lord declares: "This does no good and can be the ruin of those who listen" (2 Tm 2:14). Talk shows are not just harmful to the talkers; they are also the ruin of the listeners.
"On Judgment Day," the talkers "will be held accountable for every unguarded word they speak" (Mt 12:36). Therefore, the listeners are not to give them encouragement to speak sinfully. We must stop our ears lest we "hear of bloodshed" (Is 33:15). When we carelessly open our ears to the talk of the world, we close our ears to the word of God. However, when we close our ears to the strident controversies of the world, we open our ears to the voice of God.
The Lord commands us: "Be still, and know that I am God" (Ps 46:11, KJV). Pray: "Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening" (1 Sm 3:9).
Prayer: Father, make me quick to hear You (see Jas 1:19).
Promise: "Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone!" —Mk 12:29
Praise: Felix reluctantly agreed to accompany his mother to her prayer meeting. He remained in the car listening to music while she joined the meeting. When there were no longer any good songs on the radio, he grew bored and joined the meeting. Within a month, Felix committed his life to Jesus.
Reference: (For more teaching, order our pamphlet, Hearing God.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, November 29, 1997
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 2, 1997