Proverbs 8:32–36 (NIV)
“Now then, my children, listen to me;
blessed are those who keep my ways.
Listen to my instruction and be wise;
do not disregard it.
Blessed are those who listen to me,
watching daily at my doors,
waiting at my doorway.
For those who find me find life
and receive favor from the LORD.
But those who fail to find me harm themselves;
all who hate me love death.”
I studied theology at OTS [Ontario Theological Seminary – now Tyndale Seminary], and at Regent College. I studied under some of the finest professors in North America. I learned a lot about the Bible, theology, discipleship, church history, evangelism, worship, preaching, spiritual formation, and so on.
Probably one of the major influences during these periods of study was Eugene Peterson. His approach to spiritual formation emphasises a long, ordinary obedience to Christ, rooted in Scripture, prayer, and community, focusing on deepening one's interior life and pastoral presence, not just outward activity, seeing faith as a narrative journey, not a quick fix or isolated endeavour, all within a relational context. He stressed that true formation means becoming the person God made you to be, moving beyond mere programs or institutional roles, and embracing God's presence in daily life.
An important part of this is the long journey of learning to listen – to others, to God.
In our social media world, listening to others is thrown out the window.
We read in order to react and respond, not to understand.
We are here to listen.
Our calling is to listen.
We listen to God.
We listen to one another.
We listen to the cries of the oppressed.
We listen to children.
We listen to those no one else listens to.
We are here to listen.
Wisdom begins with listening. It's all over the Proverbs. Go back and count the number of times it appears in the short span of today's text.
I'll close with a very practical piece of advice. It can be implemented immediately and almost constantly. It is the square one we must keep coming back to again and again and again. There is infinitely more to learn than what I am about to say, all of which will remain unlearned until we learn this first step.
You ready?
Wait for it . . .
Stop talking.
PRAYER
Teach us to listen.
Grace us with your Spirit's help.
Help us find the wisdom and the humility to stop talking.
Show us a way of listening that is love.
We pray in Jesus's name, amen.
PROMPTS
- Why do people not listen?
- Do a listening audit today.
Pay attention to the listening habits (or lack thereof) of others.
Note what you would want to emulate and avoid. - How might I become a listener?
I am here to listen.
What will that mean today?
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