Humble Enough to Listen

Why did James have to remind us to be quick to listen and slow to speak? (James 1:19) I think it is because he made a powerful observation about human nature. If we are honest, most of us are more likely to be quick to speak instead of quick to listen.

Have you ever considered that listening is an act of humility? Last Sunday, we studied Jesus’ powerful act of humility in washing the disciples' feet. One thing that stood out to me looking at that wonderful moment in history was how Peter was quick to speak… No way Lord! I am not going to let you wash my feet…I am not going to allow it! But Jesus wanted Peter to hear something that would radically change his life and ministry. I believe true listening requires humility, beginning with the idea that you still have something  to hear. That is a profound step of humility. Like Peter, it requires allowing God to continue to cleanse us through His powerful words.

You may have read the Bible cover to cover once, or you may have done that a dozen times, but it does not mean you have absorbed it all even if you have read it all. The Bible is unlike any other book in the world. It is unique. Paul describes it like this, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 ESV) The “living and active” part has been proven repeatedly in my life. There are times when I have heard a passage of scripture before, but upon hearing or studying it again, it takes on a whole new meaning. It does not always mean my previous lesson or interpretation was wrong, rather that God has something new and significant for me. 

I appreciate how Christopher Ash puts it: “To listen humbly is to admit that the Bible is right and I am wrong, that God is God and I need to change.” (Christopher Ash, Listen Up) This is particularly helpful when you hear a sermon that is a repeat of a sermon you have previously heard. 

In college at Cedarville University, we had chapel every day, and I can remember a couple of times where the topic/passage preached on were the same for an entire week. We heard the same passage preached over and over again, and I loved it! I loved it because it gave me the opportunity to see how different preachers handled the same text. I felt like God wanted me to really hear that message and I loved it because each person handled the application of the text a bit differently. It is helpful for us to approach God’s Word and sermons with the type of humility that declares, like the apostle Paul said at the end of his life, “Not that I have already obtained [all] of this!” (Phil 3:12 ESV)

Expectantly,

Shawn

P.S. I hope that you are planning to join us for our Summer Celebration this coming Sunday! We are anticipating a wonderful time of fellowship together. If you haven’t signed up yet, please be sure to sign up here by Thursday, June 20.