In challenging times like these, it is important to slow down and think carefully about what we hear, what we read, and what we allow to shape our thoughts. We live in a time when political division is loud, opinions are strong, and many conversations quickly turn into “us versus them.” It can become easy to assume the worst about other people while trusting our own thoughts, feelings, and side of the story without question.
But Jesus gives us a simple and serious warning in Mark 4:24: “Consider carefully what you hear.” He was reminding His followers that listening is not a passive thing. What we take in through our ears and eyes can shape our hearts, our attitudes, our faith, and the way we treat others. If we are careless with what we listen to, we may begin to accept bitterness, fear, pride, anger, or half-truths as if they are wisdom.
Jesus also said, “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more.” In plain words, the way we listen matters. If we listen with humility, patience, and a desire for truth, we make room for God to give us more understanding. But if we listen only to prove ourselves right, defend our group, or judge others harshly, then our hearts can become narrow and hard.
This is why Jeremiah 17:9 is so important. It tells us that the human heart is deceitful above all things. That means our own feelings and desires can trick us. We can believe we are being fair when we are actually being biased. We can believe we are standing for truth when we are really being led by anger. We can believe we are loving what is right while quietly enjoying the downfall of people we disagree with.
That is a humbling thought. It means the problem is not only “out there” in the world, in politics, in the media, or in people who think differently than we do. The problem can also be within us. Our hearts need God’s light. Our motives need to be examined. Our words need to be weighed. Our reactions need to be brought before the Lord.
In a divided world, believers should not be quick to swallow every headline, repeat every rumor, or join every argument. We should ask: Is this true? Is this fair? Is this loving? Is this helping me become more like Christ? Am I listening to understand, or only listening to respond? Am I allowing God’s Word to shape my thinking more than fear, outrage, or party loyalty?
Careful listening does not mean we ignore evil, injustice, or wrongdoing. It does not mean we stop caring about truth. It means we refuse to let the spirit of the age train our hearts to hate, mock, and divide. It means we choose wisdom over reaction, prayer over pride, and discernment over noise.
God calls us to guard our hearts because what we feed the heart will eventually come out in our words, choices, and relationships. If we fill our hearts with constant anger, suspicion, and contempt, we should not be surprised when those things bear fruit. But if we fill our hearts with Scripture, prayer, humility, and love for our neighbor, then God can grow something different in us.
So in these times, let us take heed what we hear. Let us weigh our sources, examine our hearts, and ask God for wisdom. Let us remember that our hearts can deceive us, but God cannot be deceived. He sees clearly. He knows what is true. And when we trust Him, listen carefully, and walk humbly, He can make us like trees planted by water—steady, fruitful, and alive even in dry and difficult seasons.
Minister A Francine Green, September 2026