A friend shared with me of a memorable supervisor in her life. He was a leader in our organization and whenever she went into his office – for whatever reason – she got his undivided attention. He moved his body – not just his eyes – away from his computer and faced her, not his screen. She really didn’t remember any particular piece of advice he shared but she knew he listened to her. I doubt ‘good listener’ was a prerequisite for the job. I also doubt that the two of us were the only teachers encouraged by his habit. 

My adult students rarely think their listening skills are as important as their speaking ability. Not so. They tend to minimize the fact that no matter how native their pronunciation might be; if they don’t understand what is asked their response will be incorrect. In the rush to talk in the new language it’s easy to forget that we first learned our native language with our ears. 

Listening to others is much more than a language skill or a management gift. Scripture is full of God speaking to people. God! The creator of the universe, speaking to His creation. Wanting, expecting, admonishing them to listen. He is attentive to my cry. He promises to listen. He says if I call, He will answer. He hears my voice. A God who speaks and listens. How can I not do the same to him? 

What’s more, if my creator listens to me, how can I not listen to those he has created? Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes in ‘Life Together’ “…that listening is the beginning of love for the brethren.” Any useful answer needs to first hear their question. My kind word must hear where they hurt. One’ s helpful hand would be fitting if they told me their need. My words – if any – are in response to what I’ve heard, not what I’ve been planning as they speak.

“Quick to listen” heads up James’ list of three admonitions that ends with “the righteous life that God desires.” May we use our ears to live the life our creator desires.