This morning we talked about how leaders need to become good listeners. We are supposed to listen in three areas of our lives: listen in context, listen to ourselves, and listen to God. All three of these areas fail if we do not have the right intentions. It can be somewhat difficult to escape the business of today’s modern workers and the advancements in “noise” technology. We have so many options to distract us from our daily devotions or just being quiet in general. We walk around on our cell phones, listen to our iPods while we study, and on our spare time watch TV.  We get so comfortable with being immersed in noise that we almost forget how to be quiet! Some people might even find it uncomfortable to just sit and listen. I do believe that God speaks to us in very many ways such as scripture, experiences, or in nature. However, as Christians, listening is one skill that needs to be practiced continuously. Something that helps me is to put aside at least a half an hour a day (preferably in the morning) and maybe read a verse or two and just allow the rest of the time to let God speak to you. There are many spiritual practices out there that can help you with listening; it just depends on the person.

In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. Psalm 5:3

– Brian G