1 Nov 2009
A clear evidence of humility is listening. Not ordinary listening, but focused listening with the intent to understand.
Not to understand in order to refute, but to understand in order to serve.
This listening is done without positioning, without planning, but with the silent prayer:
“Lord teach me what you desire for me to learn from this person”.
Conversely, prideful listening is always positioning or planning while hearing another speak.
Positioning, planning or similar activities while acting like we are listening is usually for the purpose of
self-protection, promotion of my person, or guarding my tightly held perspectives. This is the listening of the deaf.
Prayer Perspective:
Father, by your Holy Spirit, give me the strong propensity to listen in humility
as You desire and the power and wisdom to hear with open hands and an open
mind those things You desire for me to learn from those You have placed around me.
Bonuses:
Humble listening honors and motivates those who have been placed around us.
It builds trust, teamwork and unity. Humble listening is like glue.
It forges connections that are productive. Humble listening is very freeing and relaxing
but prideful listening is very hard and burdensome.
Humble listening is one of the keys to the productivity of humility.
Matthew 17:5 (AMP)
While he was still speaking, behold, a shining cloud [composed of light] overshadowed them,
and a voice from the cloud said, This is My Son, My Beloved, with Whom I am
[and have always been] delighted. Listen to Him!
Romans 12:16 (AMP)
Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty (snobbish, high-minded, exclusive),
but readily adjust yourself to [people, things] and give yourselves to humble tasks.
Never overestimate yourself or be wise in your own conceits.
P.S Pride often talks when it should be listening.
Jeff Williams
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