Do you hear what I hear? Probably not.

It is pretty funny (ironic rather than “ha ha”) that every time I seem to feel like I am getting along better as a leader, husband, father, friend, etc., the Lord always tightens the screws a bit and makes me better!? The problem with that is that it, most of the time, is a painful process of humility and putting others ahead of myself and my agenda.? This is the same idea that Christ talked about to his disciples–that we ought to serve other people, that we ought to put others first in all things.? Why?? We ought to serve others and be humble because he served us and humbled himself “even to death on a cross.”? (Phil. 2:8)? He is the ultimate leader and every time I get to thinking I am figuring this stuff out, he lays another nugget of truth on me!

One of the HUGE concepts that God is laying on my plate these days is learning how to listen.? There is a difference between listening and having a person “be heard.”? I think I am a good listener–just ask me!!? We all would probably say the same thing, wouldn’t we?? But maybe we ought to ask those around us if THEY think we are a good listener.? But be careful, as in my situation, the Lord will allow those people to be TOTALLY honest with you and you just might not like what you are hearing!

So we have a choice.? We can deny the problem exists of our lack of listening to people, or we can allow God to shape and mold us into the kind of leaders we were called to be.? For me, it is going to be a pretty long journey of conversations asking if I am a good listener. . . i.e. “do you feel like I ‘heard’ you?”? I am also quite certain that this process of becoming a better leader and listener is going to include me becoming more humble–realizing that only with Christ’s help can I be better.? It is also quite certainly going to include some apologies for a lack of “honor” that I have not given to those I serve alongside each day.? Jesus called us to love our neighbor as ourselves.? I think I’ve got the loving myself down!? I even love to hear myself talk sometimes!? Now God is shaping me into truly learning how to lead–in love.? All the while, making sure that all around me are “being heard.”

When are some times when you thought you heard, but really didn’t hear at all?