Listening is easy when there is an appreciative reason for doing so, but it’s difficult when positive reinforcement is not present. It is possible to permit differences of intelligence, education, or even social standing to become barriers to listening. We often refuse to listen to information that challenges our beliefs and lifestyle.
There seems to be an underlying fear that listening compels us to modify our opinions and behaviors. Jesus encountered resistance from the religious leaders who felt threatened by any challenge to their authority. They refused to listen because they feared Jesus would change the current balance of power and their way of life.
The fact is that someone else could have a better idea than ours, but if fear of losing our prestige or power is an issue, permitting that person to express their ideas and solutions is not permissible for us. Wise is the person who listens deliberately and empathically to others and also listens to the council of the Holy Spirit. So be quick to listen.
[Jesus said,] “Listen, then, if you have ears!” He also
said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear! The same rules you use to judge others
will be used by God to judge you – but with even greater severity.”
~Mark 4:23-24 Good News Bible
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