We are religious as well. We worship, pray, give, and read Scripture. We can also miss Scripture’s message unless our hearts open up to God. God promises to honor those who honestly seek Him. “Seek and you will find!” 11
… the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever (1Ch 28:9).12
As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good13 heart, and bear fruit with patience (Lk 8:15).
I must ask myself, “Am I really listening for what God means to say? Or am I letting my own ideas and desires get in the way?” Two modern stories may illustrate the importance of these questions.
11. Mt 7:7; Lk 11:9; each context is about any kind of request to God, which certainly includes seeking to know Him and His will better.
12. Promise to seekers: Dt 4:29; Jer 29:13; Hos 6:3; Mt 5:6 cf. Ps 42:2; 63:1; Pr 8:17; Heb 11:6
13. Also translated “right” or “honest” cf. Ac 2:37,41; 17:11-12