We
know the story. God came to a young man named Solomon who was going to
be king over His people and told him: "Whatever you want. Just ask and
it's yours." And what he asked for and what God gave him
was--literally--a "hearing heart." If only I could stop and reflect on
that truth--that a wise heart is a hearing heart--a listening heart. Do
you desire godly wisdom? Be slow to speak and quick
to listen. Let the meditation of your heart be acceptable in His
sight. Be still and listen for His voice. Nothing gets in the way of
discernment more quickly than doing more talking than I do listening.
Listening even at times builds discernment in the heart of the one who
is sharing his heart's problem with me. Numerous times as someone has
"talked through" his or her dilemma with me, the solution to the problem
becomes abundantly clear to that person without me saying anything more
than, "Yes, you're right. That's what would honor God in your
situation." How often has it been rewarding to respond to a question
with silence, with time alone to think and pray through the "answer"
before actually going to the person and saying anything at all.
Quietness and reflection--part of a hearing heart--are invaluable in
developing godly discernment. Why are we so afraid to say, "Can I pray
and think about that and then I'll get back to you with an
answer?"--instead of just blurting out, thoughtlessly, the first thing
that comes to mind? And how often have I shunned wise counsel--a fool's
pride--instead of listening, hearing, those whom God has given insight
and wisdom, those in whom God has already developed a listening heart, a
teachable spirit. May those whom we love and care for, those who come
to us for help, know that they will find a listening, hearing heart.
There can be no godly discernment without such a heart.
"Make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding."
No comments:
Post a Comment