"Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him." (Mark 4:24-25)

The expression, "Use it or lose it" is often heard in regard to physical exercise. Muscles must be used in order to insure their greater use in the future. To fail to use one's muscles will lead to the loss of strength one presently has.

The same is true concerning spiritual things. Regarding hearing and understanding God's word, the Lord warns, more or less, "Use it or lose it." Matthew's account says, "For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him." (Matt. 13:12)