First, Learn The Art of Listening

Jesus? (Photo credit: ChrisMcArdle1)

Do you ever find yourself at a loss for the right words to say?

I was reading something I wrote a while back, and at first glance, it sounded like garble.

If you're an external thinker like me, it can take a while to spit out what you really mean to say.

But first, we've got to learn how to listen, really listen from the heart, before our words can have a deep impact.  

Years ago, I was rebuilding my truck's carburetor on the dinning room table. 

My young daughter came in, and eyeing the situation asked, "Daddy, what are you doing?" I smiled, and told her I was rebuilding my truck's carburetor. She replied, "No, Daddy, that's not a carburetor, that's a truckuretor."

Many times, a child's agile and flexible mind can grasp concepts we totally miss.

It's no wonder Jesus says, "Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

We need that agility to really listen.

Again Jesus says, "The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life." Jesus speaks out of the present eternal. And he speaks to our heart. 

Most of us, have real difficulty hearing or understanding spiritual things. We really don't get it. We have to tune in and get our spiritual eyes open and focused.

If you need an example, just read any old spiritual manuscripts. You'll probably be wondering what planet they're from.

Learning to listen to the heart

Jesus however, spoke out of an unbroken wholeness that we can barely imagine.

As guys, we listen to the words and miss everything else. We're clueless. And it's because: Hearing is the art of listening to the heart.

Here's Two Levels to Listen On:

One way is to cut through the words, and listen to the words beneath the words...the thoughts and the intents of the speaker's heart.

But better yet: listen for the voice of Jesus beyond the words the speaker is saying...Listen for the voice of the Spirit.  Tap into the eternal.

After all, Jesus says, "My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me."

It's called discernment. Listen, and discern the voice of Jesus, even if it's apart from what's being said.

Listen for the heart of God. It will cut through any and all spiritual flack and subterfuge.

Simply put, the purpose of all our spiritual practice, is tuning our heart to God.

And like a tuning fork, when we're in tune, we resonate with the vibration of heaven.

Then you'll know what to say. And say it with love.