Quick to listen, slow to speak...

Hey Everyone,

Last Sunday was a powerful time of worship! I was tremendously blessed by the real worship leaders. The ones filling the seats. Sure, the worship team is on a stage, but we really only have one job. We're the vehicle that helps to keep everyone on the same page. We aren't doing our job if we just have a hundred people watching us. If that's the case it's more likely we're in the way. I looked out at everyone and felt we were all in worship together, the way it's supposed to be.

The worship team's focus for Q1 / 2009 is "Listen".

Each of us has the charge to listen to each song as opposed to just playing our part. Musicians, listen to the words, does your part give power to the words or does it diminish them? Singers, listen to each other. Are your voices in harmony or are you singing your own way? This active listening is a practice that helps good bands get better. But doesn't it apply to life everywhere you look?

Listening more would enhance my marriage. In a couple weeks Pastor Jeff will be celebrating some of the many differences between men and women. I feel listening will come up. When my wife speaks to me about a problem she's facing, I often think she wants my advice. I have learned (very slowly!) over the past few years that usually she's looking for me to soak in what she's saying and just be in her shoes for a minute. She's capable of solving the problem too, how about some empathy? Giving a pat solution is a little like saying, "big deal, just do this".

Listening more actively can enhance my career as well. I can't count the number of times I took direction, not carefully listening but assuming I understand what we're solving for. In the end, a project can meet literal specification but not solve the real problems.

In my spiritual life, how many times do I say a prayer and then hang up the phone on God? It's like the word Amen means something like "Over and out!" [click] and then I go on my way again! This behavior is ludicrous. Sure God loves to hear me talk, but what if I waited for a response once in a while! That would be real two-way communication!

Here's what the bible says about listening:

Deuteronomy 18:15 "Listen to his voice and hold fast to Him."
Proverbs 1:5 "Let the wise listen and add to their learning"
James 1:19 "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak..."

Let's keep listening a focus in all parts of our lives for this quarter and who knows, maybe it can turn into a habit!

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