What does God say?
My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.—James 1:19
Many people say that a person who cannot find something is “as blind as a bat.” Bats, however, have perfectly good eyes and can see fine in the daytime. But during the day, bats usually sleep hanging upside down by their feet. When night comes, bats leave their nesting areas or roosts and fly in search of their favorite food, juicy insects. Because it is dark at night, bats cannot use their eyes to find flying insects so they use their ears instead. Bats make rapid, high-pitched squeaks. These squeaks echo off insects and bounce back to the bat’s very sensitive ears. By listening very carefully, the bat knows just where the insect is and can either catch it in its mouth or scoop it up with one of its webbed wings. By using its ears, the bat can find all it needs to survive.
People have ears that are not as sensitive as a bat’s, but we need to listen too. God has given us ears to hear many things. We listen to words that teach us and warn us of danger. We hear beautiful music and funny stories. Our ears help us learn about God and his plans for us. Listening carefully is an important way to learn and grow.
What do you say?
• Look at the picture. Which bat is about to catch its dinner?
• What are some of your favorite sounds?
• How do bats “see” with their ears?
• Why do you think God wants his children to be good listeners?
