First Baptist Church of Herndon

Do you really listen?

Linda Soller | Jun 12, 2017

There are all types of listening skills. Sally sat, reacting as though she was engaged in the class. Two or three times in the hour she would offer a contribution and the teacher would always call on her. Eyes would roll and heads would shake. What Sally said would sometimes relate to the topic, sometimes be totally off topic, and sometimes paraphrase what the teacher had just said as though it was her own original thought. Yes, it was a bit distracting for everyone. The teacher wanted to encourage her learning, and felt Sally needed to contribute to feel part of the class. Was there something wrong with Sally? Probably not, but her listening skills needed work. The teacher could tell that Sally was only partly listening and partly planning what she wanted to say next. Sally was picking up bits and pieces of the topic, but not really listening before formulating her remarks.

I am convinced we are all much like Sally when God is trying to communicate with us. We understand what He wants us to do, but we are quick to respond without letting Him complete His instructions. We want to be enthusiastic so we make our plans without totally understanding where He needs us to go. We attempt to paraphrase what He tells us and take credit for His inspiration. For those around us it can be a bit distracting. Fortunately, God wants to encourage our learning and has boundless patience. Repeatedly He calls on us to see if we are engaged in our faith.

You sit, frantically waiving our arm, “Call on me, please call on me!” Our wonderful Teacher calls your name, but do you really listen?

Make this a great week!    :o)  Linda