I think it is safe to say that we all want to have a good life. A simple formula for such a life can be stated using the letter L: Listen+Learn=Live. There are things we are to listen to and learn so that we can live.

One thing we should always listen to is the Word of God. When we listen to the Word, we learn from Romans 10:17 that faith comes. And when faith comes, we can apply it to live victoriously. As we listen and obey the Word, we learn to live by God’s standards and not the world’s. When we listen to the Word, we learn to love as God loves, and we live a life of love. The sad thing is if we listen to the Word and we don’t learn our lessons from it, then we live substandard lives. So it is important not just to listen, but to learn from the Word so our lives are positively impacted.

We need to also listen to wisdom. The book of Proverbs points out the necessity in listening and learning from wisdom so our lives are protected. Jesus is our wisdom, so as we follow Jesus, we are listening to and learning from Wisdom and our lives are preserved.

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: I Corinthians 1:30 (KJV)

We also need to listen to the Lord. The Holy Spirit will lead us and guide us, but we have to listen to Him and learn to obey in order to have fruitful lives. The Holy Spirit will not shout at us and beat us over the head to get our attention. He speaks to us in a still, small, calm voice that produces peace and assurance. It is important that we spend time in the presence of God in order to listen to His voice. When we listen to Him, we learn God’s ways, and we will live the good life He has planned for us.

Listen. Learn. Live.