Present In Body, Absent In Spirit
By: Lavern Stewart (1975)
The same commands that bind some to preach also obligates others to listen, and He that requires teaching likewise expects men to learn. In the average congregation enough preaching and teaching is done in one year to convert fifty-two times the number that attend any one congregation. If one attends on Sunday and Wednesdays, he is exposed to, at least, four lessons a week, but many in the Bible were converted by hearing one sermon - surely four lessons should now if one did then.
Why do people not show the effect of sermons and lessons? Because they do not really listen. They do not actually study. They are present in body, but their attention is too easily distracted for them to learn very much. Lest you miss my point, I am speaking of members of the church who know very little Bible, yet won't pay attention when teaching is done.
The expression, "he that hath an ear to hear," is used several times in the New Testament - seven times in Revelation 2 and 3. This condition of having an ear to hear indicates an eagerness to learn and a willingness to obey God's word. Too, Jesus promised that whoever would be willing to "do" God's will would learn it, John 7:17. From the example of the folk in Berea, who received the word with readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily, we learn that it is "noble" to want to learn.
One can come much less having his attention distracted by sitting near the front than in the rear of the auditorium. Too, the back seats should be left for mothers with small children, or for late comers.