We could list a number of reasons why we don’t listen as we should. Perhaps it boils down to how we view life, what’s important to us, and the ability to rise above that which keeps us from listening. The resurrection gives us what we need to become better listeners because it provides us with the kind of perspective, priorities, and power that enable and compel us to listen.
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know … his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms … (Eph. 1:18-20)
The Resurrection Gives Us the Perspective Needed to be Better Listeners
We may not listen because we’re too busy. We don’t have the time. Maybe we’re too tired to focus or have too much on our minds. Or, perhaps the person talking is hard to listen to due to some quirks they may have. Maybe they’re monotone, talk too softly, etc.
Let’s remember that Jesus sacrificed His life for us and then laid in a tomb for three days before God raised Him from the dead. He did that because He cared. He did it for the greater good (Heb. 12:1-2). If our Creator God was willing to do that for us, can’t we give others our time to truly listen? Even if it’s difficult listening to them, can’t we push through and listen? We will when we gain perspective from the resurrection.
The Resurrection Gives Us the Priorities Needed to be Better Listeners
Self-absorption ranks high among the reasons we fail to listen. We’d rather be the one talking so instead of listening we’re thinking about what we’re going to say. We may even be arrogant enough to think we know what they’re going to say. Distractedness also keeps us from truly listening. Maybe the discomfort we feel with what the person is talking about hinders us.
Let’s remember that God “raised Christ from the dead and then seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realm” (Eph. 1:20). Also remember that “God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:6). From that position we see life with a new set of eyes. We see the big picture. Life is no longer about me and my needs. Now I’m freed to listen to others. People matter more than my opinions, my phone, or other things that pull away my concentration. Now I can look beyond the uncomfortable topic of conversation and see the person who’s talking.
The Resurrection Gives Us the Power Needed to be Better Listeners
We may use the excuse that we just aren’t a listener, that it’s not who we are. And, by personality we may indeed be more of a talker or doer. It could be that we haven’t had good role models when it comes to listening. Maybe we never took a course on listening skills. Or, sadly, we just might not care.
Let’s remember the mighty strength that God exerted when He raised Jesus from the dead. That “incomparably great power” is available to us. God can help us do something about whatever keeps us from being good listeners. His “power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). Through Him we can break the cycles of our past. He can make us teachable and more caring as we yield to and trust in Him.
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