Isn’t that a funny word? Earbuds. With the advancement of technology, computers, laptops, tablets, cell phones, came the birth of earbuds. Oh sure, there were headphones in the past, but nothing like these little buggers. Hardly a day goes by that we don’t see someone with these things stuck in their ears. Oh sure, now there’s wireless headphones, but we still mostly see earbuds. Earbuds, that’s a funny word. Say it. Anyway, I love my earbuds.
I have a set (are they a set?) beside my bed, in case I want to listen to something before I go to sleep. I have a set at my desk at home, so I can listen as I study. I have a set at work, so I can sneak in a sermon here and there. I throw a set in sometimes when I’m out for a walk. I have them all over the place. Here’s the thing about earbuds, I’m constantly untangling the cords. You too?!?! I just don’t know how this little tiny wire gets so coiled and twisted and tied in knots. Boy, is that not frustrating? I shake and shake to untangle them, which by the way doesn’t work. Tony tells me often, you have to be careful with them because there are little wires in there that can break if you’re not careful. If I’m careless the wire can break and I can lose my connection…I won’t be able to hear.
These little cords remind me so much of our walk with Jesus. We must stay plugged in. We must stay connected. We must not be careless with our connection to Him.
Pay attention, my child, to what I say. Listen carefully. Don’t lose sight of my words. Let them penetrate deep within your heart,
for they bring life and radiant health to anyone who discovers their meaning.
Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.
Avoid all perverse talk; stay far from corrupt speech.
Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; then stick to the path and stay safe. Don’t get sidetracked;
keep your feet from following evil.
Proverbs 4:20-25
If we are not plugged into Him, we cannot listen carefully. If we are not plugged into Him, His words cannot penetrate our hearts. If we are plugged in we will experience life and radiant health. Who doesn’t want that?
Our lives are full of cords that are so easily tangled. I love His message here, don’t get sidetracked. Boy, isn’t that easy to do? Our lives get all tangled up like those earbud wires and our connection gets broken. Of course, our distance from Jesus is not intentional, but it comes from losing our connection to Him. Instead of carefully untangling the wires and marking out a straight path and sticking to the path, we just shake those wires, trying to pull and twist them into place. Sometimes throwing our hands in the air and tossing the tangled cord in frustration. But, here’s the promise…
The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right,
And his ears are open to their prayers.
But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.
1 Peter 3:12
If our connection is broken, His ears are open to our cries. All we need to do to untangle is turn to Him. His ears are open. He’s the Master untangler.
Faith comes from listening to this message of good news – the Good News about Christ.
Romans 10:17