You know this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Now everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve righteousness. - James 1:19 (NASB)
I took a class in college called Group Dynamics. A topic of discussion was the input of others within a group. During the discussion the professor communicated that listening is a skill not all people know how to do. After hearing this, my first (selfish) thought was how quickly others sought to speak before they heard me finish what I was saying. I learned to distinguish if others were truly listening, or not, by observing if they interrupted me, or changed their facial expression as if they wanted to hurry and blow-out their words. My next thought proceeded to the notion of me listening. I questioned; “How am I doing when hearing what others have to say? What am I projecting when someone is speaking to me? What about when God is speaking? Am I quick to hear?” I needed to look inward to check my motive for slow hearing. I concluded that depending on the situation, it could be a number of things, like pride, fear, or not realizing I am not hearing, etc. I have discovered that when I hear what God and others are saying I will gain understanding. And with that, I can imitate Christ.
(Relevant reading: Proverbs 2; Philippians 2:3-8; I Corinthians 11:1; 1 Peter 2:21)
When working out our faith what ways can we become better hearers, with God and with others that will achieve righteousness?
This devotion by author, Terrie Miles, is exclusively and solely shared with permission to New Beginnings Church. Any unauthorized printed reproduction, sharing or use of this material is prohibited.
