The Listening Factor ~Pastor Bob Mankaka

Have you ever had friends that will talk and talk but hardly listen to you? They will not pause even if they know you have something to say. You might even try to break in with, "May I say something?" "O sure!" they quickly reply, but the very second you start talking they swing right back in and kidnap your unfinished sentence. You are backed again into your listening corner! Such friendships usually do not work well because communication needs to be a dialogue between two people. One-way communication is unfortunate and many relationships have suffered because of it.

How do you feel about such communication? Many "disciples" and "servants" of Christ are sadly and shamefully guilty of this even though the Lord exhorts us to be quick to listen but slow to speak (James 1:19). The Bible clearly depicts Jesus Christ always intently lending his ears to people. No wonder His ministry was successful because the first step in solving problems and helping people is being a good listener. Even God Himself listens to us more than He speaks. When we want people to listen us more than we ourselves want to listen, this is clearly contrary to the advice the Lord gives us and is far from the meekness characterizing Christ throughout the Gospels (Matt.11:28-29).

Meaningful communication has to work two ways. There is little difference between communication in our relationships with friends and that with Father God. Although we may not like to admit it, this approach may very well be how we come to Him. We keep Him locked into being the Listener while we talk non-stop, monopolizing the entire communication. As He who planted the ear hears, so He planted the mouth and speaks (Ps. 94:9). This reality ought to be taken into account when we come before Him.

Most of the time, Michael, my four-year-old son, will come to talk and also listen to Dad. In fact when I am quiet and not nodding or responding, his favorite expression is, "Say Yes or No, Dad. Dad, talk. Come on, speak to me." This is how communication takes place in any relationship. Remember, God uses natural realities to convey to us supernatural truths. We ought to listen to our Father as well as talk to Him. This is effective communication.

Q. Yes, I can talk, but how on earth can I listen to the unseen Father?

A. The response is simple. Go back into the natural. How do you listen to anyone? Or when does the listening process start? In the natural Michael starts listening by staying quiet, looking at me and making himself available to listen. It is the same principle with God. When we stop speaking, we focus on His presence and make ourselves available to listen toHim.

Q. When does that Happen?

A. Many people will say, listening happens when we read the Word of God. But I say, that is not necessarily true. Some people may read the Bible but refuse to listen to the very Word they are reading. Or someone may read theBible while already having his/her mind full of preconceived and calculated ideas. God's voice cannot penetrate these self-erected walls. However when you really commit to reading the Word and listening for His voice, you will hear Him.

During your quiet time with Father God, open your heart before Him and you will hear what He has to say. That is when He will convict or prompt you to fix anything that needs to be fixed in your life. If you are truly listening with your heart, you will never hesitate to obey and act accordingly. As youobey, two-way communication will become meaningful and will progress onto anew level.

After you talk/pray, don't forget that time spent before the Lord. In otherwords, have that moment present in you wherever you go (In fact this is the meaning of praying without ceasing. 1 Thess. 5:17). The presence of God goes with you wherever you go. So, as you walk, drive, work, or converse with others, always keep your ears tuned to Him.

How many times have you wished God would listen to you? Well, can you imagine how many times the loving God has wished you would listen to Him for even a second? Do you sense God calling you back to Him? If you are listening, then you ought to respond YES to Him, your Father. Then find a fellowship with other children of God so you may learn together and grow in Him.

Advice: One learns more by listening than he does by talking.Good decisions are made when one listens rather than when he rushes to speak.People who are the most help to others are quick to listen and slow to speak.