"Nature has given man one tongue but two ears, that we may hear twice as much as we speak."
Epictetus
I can sure be impulsive. The trouble is when I am I usually live to regret it. One of the requirements of a good leader is the ability to listen, then to listen, and then to listen some more. How important it can be to remember that my reality is not another person's reality. Without remembering that simple fact anyone can be moved to judgement and hurtful words very quickly. There is nothing about that which builds up people or the community of believers. I find it powerful to believe the best of people and of their intentions even when I might disagree with their words or actions. Now I know that some will want to argue with me now saying that there are absolutes in this world and that my attitude is to deny that reality. Furthermore my attitude, you might say, leads to a denial of the holiness of God and our need for holiness as a Christian community. The ultimate absolute in this life and the next is love. To be a Christ follower is to love God with all your heart and to love people with all their warts and imperfections. I believe that loving begins with listening. It is only in the spirit led moments that listening should turn to speaking.
"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." (James 1:19-20)
Warts and all, reminds me of a movie this week on the tv "Nanny Diaries". When Nanny was listened to and the children obeyed in love and respect, nanny lost her warts, her ugliness and became beautiful once again. Her mission was accomplished and the children also found beauty within themselves once again.
ReplyDeleteLove is a choice and some days some people are a joy to love, some days they go to the back of my filing cabinet!