As Christ followers we should want to do everything in His name (Col. 3:17). Then we will approach all we do in a more God-honoring way. We’ll improve as leaders for it will no longer be about our skills but His power. We will follow His example and hence have a more Christ-like perspective and means of serving. We will even become better listeners, an important leadership skill.
We Become Better Listeners When We Follow Jesus’ Example
To do what we do, even listening, in His name, we can’t help but follow His example. Consider Jesus’ interaction with the woman at the well (Jn. 4:4-42). He listened actively and patiently without prejudice, staying in the moment. The woman sensed that Jesus knew her, which made such an impact in her life that she went and told others about Jesus. One of the best ways to impact lives is to start by listening to them.
Doing everything in Jesus’ name requires focusing on the process, not just the results. When the woman with a bleeding issue touched His garment and immediately got healed, He could have kept going on to accomplish His current agenda. Instead, He stopped to identify who touched Him and listen to her story (Mk. 5:22-34). Jesus served in ways that clearly communicated that people matter. One of the best ways to show people that they’re important is to listen to them.
Doing Everything in Jesus’ Name Takes the Focus Off of Ourselves
When we do all we do in His name, our concern focuses more on the effect our actions have on Him than how it makes us look. One of the biggest obstacles to active and effective listening is self-focus. When so concerned about what to say next, rather than truly listening, the focus is on us. When more intent on making sure people hear what we think they need, rather than truly listening, the focus is on our agenda.
If, on the other hand, we follow Jesus’ example, actively listening to other people, the focus moves off of ourselves. We’re then better able to minister the encouragement, comfort, healing, or whatever else might be needed, when it is time to speak or act. Because we’re serving in Jesus’ name, we can trust Him for the results. We will then find ourselves “giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3:17).
We Become Better Listeners Because of the Power of His Name
Our listening improves, not only because we’re following Jesus’ example, but because of the power of His name (Jn. 17:11). Wrapped up in the name of our Lord is the full essence of who He is. — “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” (Heb. 1:3)
When we do whatever we do “all in the name of the Lord Jesus”, we’re pulling on the power of our Almighty God, the One of whom there is no greater. We become better listeners, not simply by learning about the skill of listening, but by pulling on the power inherent in His name.
Also Read: Church’s Power: The Name of the Lord
For More on These Topics, Go To:
All Posts about Listening Skills:
- Start by Listening to God
- Getting Others On Board Starts by Listening
- Listening, A Core Element of Body Life
- Why We Start by Listening to the Lord
- Why Listen to Others
- Jesus Actively Listened
- Christ-like Listening Communicates
- If Listening Doesn’t Come Naturally
- Is Listening One of Your Weaknesses?
- Listening Enhanced with the Help of the Holy Spirit
- Praying According to God’s Will Begins & Ends with Listening
- Want Someone to Listen?
- Scripture Equips Us to Listen
- Doing Everything in His Name Makes Us Better Listeners
- The Gospel Gives Us a Reason to Listen
- Strongholds That Keep Us from Being Good Listeners
- The Resurrection Gives What We Need to be Better Listeners
- Listening Affects Fulfilling Leadership Roles