SHHH - LISTEN
It's hard to listen, particularly when there are so many voices in your head! How many times do we actually listen? For example, someone is talking to us – are we listening or forming our response, or sometimes we are somewhere else completely. To listen is to be present with the other person. We're not on Facebook or the computer when we are actually listening.
Proverbs 1:5 tells us, 'let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance'
When we listen, we learn.
When we listen, it is no longer about me, it is about us.
When we listen, we are sharing in communion with another.
That sounds a lot like what we are called to be as followers of Christ doesn't it? Listeners, learners, fellowshippers and followers.
Isaiah 1:17 says, 'Learn to do right, seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.'
Perhaps if we listen we will learn to do right and seek justice. I think it is interesting that back in Isaiah's time the issue of fatherless children was identified as a problem that needed to be addressed. This is still a problem in our society. As is the protection of the widows, the vulnerable people in our communities.
As the stats roll out regarding people losing their jobs, businesses failing and economies on the decline we should be listening and learning. Seeking to do justice, defending the oppressed and pleading the cause of the vulnerable.
It starts with listening.
Our prayer ought to be, 'Lord, let my heart be broken by the things that break your heart.'*
Go in His Grace,
Warren
19 June 2020
* This is quote by Bob Pierce.
Previous Blogs
The News... : Warren, 1st July 2020Shhh - Listen : Warren, 19th June 2020
Relief? : Warren, 11th June 2020
On the Cusp : Warren, 4th June 2020
In the Beginning... : Warren, 28th May 2020
Seasons : Warren, 21st May 2020
Aroha|Love : Warren, 14th May 2020
How is your mind? : Warren, 7th May 2020
On the Level : Warren, 1st May 2020
Signs : Warren, 24th April 2020
Whakaaria Mai : Warren, 15th April 2020
Essential Worker or Not? : Warren, 8th April 2020
Rumours : Warren, 1st April March 2020
What Would Jesus Do? : Warren, 25 March 2020