Our ears are very important.  I am not talking about the shape or size of them, but about their functionality.  Hearing is an important part of our salvation.  Without hearing the Word, one cannot be saved.

John 6:45 (ESV)
⁴⁵  It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me—

Today we hear from the Father, not by an audible utterance, nor by dreams or visions, but by what is written in the Word of God.  The writer of Hebrews tells us that God speaks to us by His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2).  In John 17:8, Jesus said that He gave the words that His Father gave Him to the apostles.  The apostles took those words, and by the guidance of the Spirit (John 16:13), spoke them and wrote them down (1 Corinthians 2:12-13; Ephesians 3:3-4).

The things written by the apostles, as well as a few other inspired men guided by the Spirit, are found in the New Testament of God’s Word.  A person must hear and believe these words to be saved.  They constitute the gospel, which is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16).

We do not stop hearing these words after we obey the gospel.  To stay on the road to victory, we must continue to hear.  Paul said, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). 

The best way to guard our ears is to keep hearing God’s Word.  At the same time, we must avoid hearing things that can corrupt our minds in any way.  For example, listening to a barrage of false doctrines can cloud our perception of truth.  Unless you are experienced in God’s Word, you should do very little reading of denominational writings.  Until you have grown in the Word, only consult reference works such as biblical dictionaries, word studies, encyclopedias, etc., in your studies.  Commentaries, written by men, are full of false doctrines that are sometimes very convincing and can lead the inexperienced person astray.  Be careful what you hear.

Another example of guarding your ears is refusing to listen to gossip.  We should be offended by all sin, and gossip is sin.  Instead of having fellowship with it, we should expose it.

Ephesians 5:11 (ESV)
¹¹  Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

Gossip falls into the category of unfruitful works of darkness.  If someone is trying to get you to listen to gossip, remind them of the danger of corrupt communication (Ephesians 4:29).  If you are not willing to rebuke a brother or sister for gossiping, at least politely excuse yourself from the situation so that you do not endanger your soul.  Gossip is not only sinful, if you listen to it, it can cause you to think wrongfully about the target of it.

Do you want to stay on the road to victory?  Guard your ears by listening to things that will build you up in the faith and strengthen your relationship with God.  Yes, we all engage in recreational hearing daily.  Not everything we listen to is spiritual.  We must, however, refuse to let sin penetrate our spiritual armor by being careless about what we hear.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.