Hearing.
Perceiving sound. Our ears work. If there’s a noise, music,
a conversation, etc… we have acknowledged that we heard something.
Listening.
Now that we’ve heard something, we give attention to it. We
focus to determine what the sound is, or what is being said.
Understanding.
Now you’ve heard a sound in your ears. You’ve given
attention to it to the point that you are comprehending what the sound is
communicating. Whether it’s a sound that
causes alarm, a piece of music, or a conversation. Comprehension produces a
result, or a reaction. You move out of the way of a falling limb,
your emotions are moved by lyrics and melody, or you relay your thoughts on
the subject to someone.
Knowing.
This is a level accomplished in relationship with an
environment, or a person you are familiar with. You’ve listened to a particular
piece of machinery long enough that you know when it doesn’t sound right. You
can play or sing a piece of music because you know what note is coming next.
You hear someone enter a room and can tell who it is just by their footsteps. Your
mother’s voice brings you comfort. And often, even though you know this thing,
this sound, this voice, beyond a shadow of a doubt, you can’t fully explain it
to someone else. Knowing can’t be transferred. It has to be cultivated within.
I encourage you to evaluate. Your environments. Your
relationships. Friends, family, God. Do you get stuck in the hearing or
listening stage? How often do you move on to the understanding or knowing? Not
every place or person needs to be known by everyone. But you have a specific sphere
that you’re called to and you should know it and own it. God designed you to do
that.
