Listening Closely

"We learn how to listen because we want to learn how to love."
- Adam McHugh, The Listening Life

As we kick-off our summer workshop series, we are looking to grow in listening to God and to others. Listening is the practice of focused attention that results in centering ourselves around something other than ourselves. As a primary act of discipleship, listening is not a passive activity that happens to us, but is an intentional action always resulting in a response. As seminary professor Howard Hendricks puts it, "“Biblically speaking, to hear and not to do is not to hear at all.”

Jesus' half-brother, James, exhorts his readers to embody what they believe. He desires their faith to put on flesh as they interact with others. Particularly in times of trouble, as we learn to trust God, we are told to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger." Learning how to do this is a process requiring intentional practice, reducing distractions, and embracing humility as we willingly open ourselves up to receive others.

We naturally resist being open in this way, willing to listen. This week, prayerfully reflect on how God is inviting you to settle in more with Him. Ask Him to reveal the obstacles that keep you from being present with him and those around you.