Back in the 1950's, when Dawson Trotman founded The Navigators, he came up with the Hand diagram. Each finger represents a means of getting a grip on the Word, progressing from the little finger's weakest strength to the opposing thumb's greatest ability to grasp the Scriptures.
The little finger is labeled "Hear." Romans 10:17 serves as a biblical basis: "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." NASB
If our lives are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:2), then we must hear the Word continually, for God has ordained that His Word is our primary tool for changing thought and behavior (sanctification). (John 17:17). As we are exposed to the Word through hearing, the blessed Holy Spirit uses His truth to speak conviction, encouragement, confirmation, and challenge to our hearts. We are confronted by the standard of absolute truth, and how we respond determines whether we grow, stagnate, or decline.
One of the main avenues the Lord has provided for hearing His Word is through its declaration when His body, the church, assembles. Although faithful attendance in a Bible-believing church has been forsaken by many, to do so violates Scripture and weakens our walk with the Lord (Hebrews 10:25).
As with each of the five elements for gaining a strong grip on the Word, the attitude of hearing is as important as the activity. Crucial to the act of hearing is the attitude of heeding. Exposure to the Word through listening is foundational, but an undistracted heart eager to obey what is heard is indispensable (James 1:22).
May our Lord Jesus grant us ears to hear, and hearts to obey, as we give our full and undivided attention to His Word today.
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