Bella Vista Church of Christ
LIFELINES
August 22, 2001 Charles Cash
Everyone Should Be Quick To Listen
“Everyone should be quick to listen.” James 1.19
How we all need to develop the fine art of listening. Life would be better, simpler, more rewarding.
Jesus often prefaced His instruction with the words, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matt. 11.15; 13.9) Listen! Again, Jesus said, “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.” (Matt. 13.13) “You’re going through the motions,” He is saying, “but you are not really listening.” Do we really listen to Jesus?
Do we truly listen to one another? Most all people have burdens, problems, and crises from time to time and could use a good listener. A prominent physician wrote, “Many people do not need a doctor, they need an audience.” You may be able to speak several languages, but can you listen well in one? One of the best ways to show genuine interest and love is by listening.
Studies show that we spend 70 percent of our waking hours in some form of communication, and that 45 percent of the time is spent in listening. Yet they say that with most of us our listening efficiency is only 25 percent. Why do we not remember names? Probably the main reason is we don’t listen.
Oliver Wendell Holmes said, “To be able to listen to others in a sympathetic and understanding manner is, perhaps, the most effective mechanism in the world for getting along with people, tying up their friendship for good. Too few people practice the “white magic” of being good listeners.” May we all become better listeners! Practice makes perfect! “Are you listening?”
CHARLES CASH
Siloam Springs, Ark.
