Listen Up!

James 1:19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

It is Tuesday folks and it is time to listen up! Still keeping the April Challenge(listening to God and living in the moment) in mind, we are going to briefly discuss great listening skills. I was taught a few semesters ago that naturally we are born with the sense of hearing. However, listening is a learned skill. Listening is not an ability everyone practices. Especially, when we think we are right, it is very hard for us to listen to another while he or she is making their point. Furthermore, we rarely listen to God. I mean really listen. Getting so caught up in our own way of doing things, we tend to close our ears to God.

So The Bible teaches us to be slow to speak and eager to listen. Just like the saying goes, God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. How can we implement this great characteristic? Well, clear your mind. Even if you are right, try to gain understanding of what the other party is trying to convey so that you can at least disagree peacefully. Understanding and listening goes hand and hand. We have to humble ourselves to listen. The prideful ears are always closed and God isn't too fond of the pride, but that's another post. All we need sometimes is a great listener. Someone who will lend an ear leading with their heart for what we have to say. It is very therapeutic to go to someone who is all ears until you get whatever you need off of your chest. So, let's pray for great listening skills. If we aren't listening to God we aren't able to know His direction and hear His Guidance. God listens to us, but don't you think He would want the same in return? This is a relationship remember? Wouldn't you get tired of always listening to your spouse, but your spouse doesn't reciprocate the same for you? Go ahead and answer. I'm listening.

Listen Up! God is speaking
Listen Up! So you can be receiving
Listen Up! His Wisdom awaits
Listen Up! Before it is too late