Listening is such an important skill that we all need in order to relate interpersonally. This is a skill that is rarely modeled well in our popular culture. Talk show personalities, radio personalities, white house briefing rooms consist mostly of people talking over each other. Apparently that makes for good entertainment. Personally, I can't stand it.
James 1:19 says, "19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,..."
Proverbs 18:13 13 To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.
If you want to truly live a radical life in our culture, practice these principles. Quick to listen is a word picture that challenges me daily. Our culture values a quick wit and a quick, thoughtful response. We tend not to value a quick listener—someone who seeks to listen first before speaking.
In last Wednesday's conference session Dr. Lindholm encouraged us to listen to learn instead of listening to formulate our argument in response. This is a completely different posture that will change the way we relate to one another.
I'm keeping today's devotional short so you can spend some time focusing on the practice.