Love Songs

“My people come to you … to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice … To them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well.” – Ezekiel 33:31-32 NIV

In vivid, poetic language, Ezekiel described the case of those who say they will obey God but, in the end, do not. He used the picture of a singer with a beautiful voice. Listeners liked the sound of the songs, but their lives did not change.

While in a sense listening attentively can be deemed worthwhile, the singing of these songs can also be an empty calling. In the end, the songs sung, in most cases, are just songs enjoyed for a season but then soon forgotten.

If we become “nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well,” we might find ourselves being received well for a short time. Others may admire and appreciate what we say and do. The question is, how will our words and deeds impact others long term?

Ezekiel warned that people may well hear our words but not put them into practice. We must remember that the word of God is much more than “one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well.” His Word is powerful, timeless, and true, regardless of how it is delivered.

True obedience and respect take place when we hear God’s words and then put them into practice. Without this obedience, all our listening and believing are meaningless, and our commitment is empty.

Reflection Question: How can you practically put God’s Words into action today?