344 Listening to God’s Words Is Man’s Highest Duty
I
Listening to God’s words and following His way is the attitude and specific practice that a follower of God ought to have toward Him. Only by listening to God’s words and following His way can people successfully fear God and shun evil. Any and all of God’s requirements of man are the truth, and the way that people ought to follow. They don’t change based on changes of time, place, environment, geographical location, or social background. God’s words are the truth, the truth that has not changed from time immemorial, which does not change throughout all eternity—so every one of God’s requirements of man and every specific principle of practice He puts forth to them are all eternal, and will not change.
II
God’s requirements of man are to listen to His words and follow His way. After listening to the words of God it’s right for people to keep and practice them. God has no other requirements of people. When they hear and understand His words, it’s enough for them to practice and keep them; they will have achieved the standard of being an acceptable created being in His eyes. No matter the time, social environment or background, or geographical location, what you have to do is listen to God’s words, understand what He says and what His requirements are of you, and then the next thing you ought to do is hearken, submit, and practice.
III
No matter what the environment of the outside world is like, you are a created being, and God is the Creator. The relationship between Creator and created beings won’t change, your identity will not change, and God’s essence won’t change. You will always be someone who ought to follow God’s way, who ought to listen to His words and submit to Him. God will always be the One who holds sovereignty over you, arranges your fate, and leads you through life. Your relationship with Him will not change, His identity won’t change, and your identity will not change. Because of all this, no matter the time, your responsibility, obligation, and highest duty are to listen to God’s words, submit to them, and practice them. This will never be wrong, and it’s the highest standard.
from The Word, Vol. 6. On the Pursuit of the Truth. How to Pursue the Truth (9)