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My friend learned this lesson the hard way. As a young man, he left his home church to lead a small church in the nearby countryside. Upon returning home for a visit, he hurried excitedly to the office of his beloved pastor. As he shared the joys and satisfactions of his new field of labour, he watched his friend straighten his desk, put his pens and pencils back in their places and quietly restore order to his desk. Not once did the older man look up. He showed no emotion. What began as an exciting story of personal achievement soon limped to a premature conclusion.
The older man spoke few words, but his body spouted volumes. The young man left that office disappointed and disillusioned. Whatever the older pastor heard or said, he eloquently communicated unconcern about the things so important at that moment in the life of the young beginner. When that young man received further education, he began teaching, and finally wrote a book he titled The Awesome Power of the Listening Ear.
When Jesus listened, He gave "active" attention. He listened with His heart, His hands and His whole self. He modelled the maxim people heard Him frequently repeat: "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
Listening may be the single most effective means you have for sharing the gospel. If you are willing to listen, there are multitudes of hurting people who would like you to share your gift with them.
Most of us have a bag filled with gimmicks for catching people's attention. The world we're trying to win, however, knows only the scarcity of people truly willing to listen.
Wayne M. Warner is a writer from Battle Creek, Mich.
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