I was recently reminded of how an effective communicator does his or her job. So often, we as humans get started talking and think, by virtue of our flapping lips, that we are communicating effectively. The word “communicate” used to mean ‘to make common’. It has come to mean ‘to impart knowledge’. Other similar words pop to mind: community, commune, communion and more. To understand what it is to communicate – to really communicate – we have to go back to what that word really means – not the modern, sterile, “I don’t want to really communicate with you ’cause I might catch something” definition.
Acts 2:44 (NKJV)
Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common…
Over the years, I have learned one of the most important keys to effective communication. In fact, I will be so brave to say that this is one of the “secrets of the universe”: Listening. Now, I don’t mean hearing. When my twin children were born nearly three years ago, they underwent the standard hearing tests that they administer to newborns. The audiology technician assured Mindy and I that our children could hear just fine – listening, however, he would not guarantee.
See, listening involves more than our auditory senses. Listening requires active participation. To listen to someone requires that we set aside our desire to convey knowledge and allow that person to commune with us. Listening requires that we get involved in what that person is saying – not just with their mouth – but with their whole body. Listening requires that we hear what is being said by what is not being said. That is, what is this person trying to convey to me that is not coming across in their words? On top of all this, listening requires an active commitment to allowing another to share their heart and allow their sharing to reach our heart.
In short, listening requires that we – the listener – realize that each person has value in the eyes of God. And, despite their age, social status, abilities and/or disabilities each person on the face of this planet can see God’s love in the simple (yet not so simple) act of listening.
Shalom!
Scott
