Living Life… But Are You Listening?
Life seems to have escalated into an extreme fast pace. There is so much happening so fast. Busy! Busy! Busy! Increased talking, squalking, and buzzing in the atmosphere. We are hearing; but are we listening? There is a difference. Per Merriam-Webster, hearing is the passive, involuntary physical act of perceiving sound through your ears. We hear sounds and words all day long - even if we are not part of the conversation or paying attention to them. Listening plays a major part in our life. It is the active, intentional cognitive process of paying attention, processing, and understanding those sounds or words. Per Psychology Today, listening is an internal behavior that involves both the mind and body; whereas, hearing only involves the ears. Have you ever heard the phrase, “It went in one ear and the other other?” That’s a prime example of hearing without listening. Our main objective in communication is not to be heard; but to listen. Listening grants understanding and respect.
Not listening to sounds being being made and words being spoken can make a difference between life or death, broken or healthy relationships, meaningful or misunderstood conversations. Listening is a skill that can be developed and results in effective communication. Often, we can discern what people are not saying although they are talking. Living life is not complicated; however living life involves so many important moving parts. Listening and hearing can affect mental health. In other words, when we choose not to listen, it sends a message that we are too busy or don’t want to hear what they other person is saying. Not listening can be perceived by an individual that what they are saying and feeling is not important that moment. By not listening, it could strain the relationship and could be the very moment a suicidal person needs the intentional attention of listening.
The Bible directly links listening to wisdom, love, and obedience. We should listen to learn. James 1:19 commands believers to “be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to becoming angry.” Proverbs 18:13 warns that “speaking before listening is foolish and shameful and “encourages listening to advice to build a foundation of wisdom.” The question I ask: “While living life,…this fast-paced distracting life - are we wise, loving, and obedient? Are we listening?
