THE IMPORTANCE OF LISTENING

Nelson Mandela said that he learned to lead from his father, the chief of a tribe. One of the great characteristics of his exemplary leadership was being the last to speak.

Many parables begin with Jesus’ invitation to listen. John also invites us to read and listen to the words of the prophecy. The Spirit has a message that we must hear. Wouldn’t that attitude be important if it is repeated at the end of the message to each church? Repetition is not random.

Jesus also said, «My sheep hear my voice» (John 10:27).

Throughout Scripture, we find God wanting to communicate with his children in multiple ways. Many of the communication problems occurred precisely because the receivers did not want to hear.

What if the most important thing is not to have the last word? What if the world is setting us wrong standards of «successful» communication or imposing power that we don’t really have? What if in the end everything is a matter of pride, as in the beginning?

How much it costs us to listen! But just as the Bible is full of references to the importance and care of speech, it is also full of references to the importance of listening.

You may not be very talkative per se, but what do you listen to?

As this year ends, we can resolve to pay attention and take a sincere examination of what we allow to enter through our ears. We can propose to listen to music more in tune with what we believe, listen to more talks, preaching, podcasts, audiobooks that edify us, more nature without distractions, and conversations that enrich us in every way. We can propose to ask more and judge less, read and investigate more and consume less «chewed» things … All this will increase our ability to hear, to pay attention to what is truly important, to remember that the best messages require yes or yes from someone who receive and that it is our responsibility to develop certain criteria until they become commonplace.

A friend told me that it is difficult for him to know how far he has to do something and when the work of the Holy Spirit begins. You may be wondering the same thing. What is our part, besides believing?

Let’s start by listening. So we will know what to order and how to act. I do not mean to hear voices, but to read the Bible, to identify the truth in the midst of so many lies, to be ready for a modern class with the Master once more.