Hebrews 12:25 See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less shall we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven.
Let’s first analyze hearing God’s voice. The most common way to hear it is through the Bible. We are to be in the Word often. This gives Him the opportunity to bring to life particular verses that we read. Hebrews 4:12&13 speaks to this. “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” Other ways that God speaks to us is through our inner thoughts and emotions. He also speaks to us through circumstances. He will open and close doors. He will speak to us through others. He speaks to us through nature (Romans 1:20). These are the common ways in which God speaks.These are all to be tested against scripture. How do we respond when He speaks? Hopefully we obey instantly. Other times we mull it over to confirm that it’s from Him. We may need to ask a godly friend. God understands that it can be tough, Matthew 21:28-31, Our stubbornness may cause us to take days or weeks to comply. Maturity teaches us that quick obedience equals a peaceful life. Today’s verse is warning the one who ignores God all together. This isn’t the problem of the walking christian. Ours is ignoring particular commands. The image of inviting Jesus into our house, but not allowing Him in every room. Ignoring some commands is shutting Jesus out of some rooms. This stunts our growth. He won’t reject us due to this. But our growth is limited. If a bird won’t leave the nest, it may be tolerable at first. However, it eventually grows to full size and the parent birds have limited room and a full dependent adult to care for. It’s still their bird, but it’s refusal to mature is a disappointment. Some christians are spiritual infants who refuse to grow. We need to trust the One who made us. Lord, give us the courage to obey.