I have been speaking quite often lately about the need for better comprehension on the part of our students and staff when we are being told something that we need to do. I was recently telling someone that it seems like people hear the first few words that someone says and then they kind-of fall out of the conversation. Their follow through will always be weak because their comprehension is weak.
If you asked them what you said, they can often repeat it verbatim. It is because they heard, but they did not hearken. Hearing is not necessarily hearkening. When we listen with the intent of learning everything changes in our personal, spiritual and professional lives.
We have many great hearers in our ministry, but we have far few learners. To be a learner, we need to not only hear, but to hearken. That mean’s to listen with the intent to obey. We must listen to every spoken word, understand its content; that is comprehension! Then we need to follow our comprehended thoughts in their entirety.
Maybe this Proverb below will help us all be a better hearkeners! I know those over us, around us and under us will all be glad that we did.
Proverbs 1:5 (Dissected and Defined): A wise (skillful) man will hear (to listen; to obey), and will increase learning (grow in knowledge); and a man of understanding (applied information) shall attain unto wise counsels:
Daily Devo Paraphrase: I have spent many years of my life watching listeners. As a preacher to churched people and a teacher to unchurched people, I am always amazed at the types of listeners I meet.
Some listen and take notes; they are intent on learning. Some listen for something interesting, but are filtering everything else as they anticipate the next joke or catchy quote. Others listen for the needs of others- their children, their spouse, or some church member they have ought against. Others, when I speak, might look around. Once, a girl manicured her nails while I preached!
The type that bother me the most are those whose eyes wander as I talk to them. I call them “wanderers”. I used to be this type of person, until I met people who did this while I was speaking to them! It was disconcerting.
Now, may I point out that there are no particular similarities in the backgrounds of “wanderers.” I have met them young and old, rich and poor. I have met wanderers who are addicts and those who are not. I have met wanderers who are church members and wanderers who are pastors. It just seems that some people’s eyes wander while someone is speaking to them.
Of course, we know this type of person cannot possibly be listening very well. They may catch part of what is being said in a conversation, class, or church service; but chances are they won’t hear enough to amount to much. They are poor listeners.
Solomon indicates that skillful people hear. They listen. It takes skill, and it takes practice. Once we begin to actually listen to what is being said, we will find ourselves obeying it and increasing our learning.
The difference this will make in our life will lead you to be a better listener. You’ll search out wise counsel, listen to it, and follow it! You will become a man who applies information. You will attain understanding!
Hope you have a great week.
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