"WEDNESDAY WISDOM" - Having "Ears to Hear"
"If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear." And He said to them, "Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him." (Mark 4:23-25)
There are four ways in which all of us choose to listen, which affects how we hear.
Passive Listening • Passive means, “not active, but acted upon.” Passive people are generally sluggish and disengaged—believing that “whatever will be, will be.” Passive listeners only “purk up” when something is said that has the promise of easing their burdens or bringing more comfort into their lives. A passive listener does not act until they are acted upon.
Convenient Listening • Convenient is defined as, “Situated within easy reach.” The convenient listener only applies his heart to hear when the information or task is within easy reach.
Critical Listening • The word “critical” is defined as, “exhibiting the spirit of one who looks for and points out faults and defects.” Communication often fails because of critical listening that is more concerned about finding faults than in understanding the content and meaning of the message. Critical listeners are not motivated to learn and grow. Such persons usually develop a self-righteous attitude that does not permit them to objectively consider what others have to say.
Active Listening • This should become our goal: To actively listen so that we can “hear” the communication. “Active” is defined: “Not waiting to be acted upon." Active listeners are prepared to apply what is heard and act on it—regardless of circumstances. People who rise to positions of authority and responsibility are those have learned to be active listeners. People of strong faith are those who have learned how to listen to God, meditate in the Word of God and allow the Holy Spirit to lead them in every endeavor of life. As Paul said in Romans 10:17, “So the faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” The person who hears can be entrusted with greater authority and responsibility. Hearing produces a faithful spirit, which brings you into the “true riches” of God.
"Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who will give you what is your own? (Luke 16:11-12)
