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How Do I Listen?

Two of the gospel writers tell the same story in a slightly different way. Mark writes that Jesus said, “Consider carefully what you hear” (Mk 4.24). But Luke, in his retelling, writes the words of Jesus this way, “Consider carefully how you listen” (Lk 8.18).

The general context of Luke’s version is much the same as the context in which Mark tells the story. In both gospels, Jesus is teaching that what is hidden will be brought out into the open so it is important to consider carefully how (or what) you hear. Both authors even use the same Greek words for consider carefully (it can also be translated as “be careful”, or “pay attention”).

The difference between the two versions is in the grammatical construction. Mark clearly uses ‘what’ and Luke clearly uses ‘how’. The translations of these are not interchangeable nor are they usually interpreted the same. So, it would appear, each author intended to communicate a different perspective on the same story. Mark wanted us to think about ‘what’ we hear. And Luke, wanted us to think about ‘how’ we hear. Fascinating.

Before coming across this statement in the book of Luke I don’t know if I ever really gave consideration to how I listened. Sure, I’ve thought about the mechanics of how – my employers have even paid for me to take personal development courses designed to help me become a better listener. But somehow, I don’t think Jesus was indicating that he wanted us to use NLP strategies or reflective listening principles.

In the natural I can look at ways to break down the listening process. In the first part, we listen by hearing words which convey thoughts, concepts and ideas that articulate a message with a particular meaning. The second part of listening, is when we use logic and reason to judge the validity and accuracy of what we hear against accepted principles or facts.

I’m also aware of times when I’ve been able to listen beyond the words of what someone is saying in order to understand the ‘heart’ of what they’re saying. But, in these circumstances, I can often explain my ‘discernment’ by reading their non-verbal cues, listening to the tone of their voice, or asking Holy Spirit for wisdom to understand the person’s needs.

But, somehow, I don’t think that is what Jesus is getting at when he says to consider carefully how we listen. Perhaps he is telling us to be a little more aware of how we judge the validity or accuracy of what we hear. Perhaps he is warning us about the way in which we tend to filter what we hear through the paradigm of what we think we understand.

But, these considerations seem to put more emphasis on listening with the mind. And in biblical perspectives, the heart plays a greater role in discerning than does the mind. So, I’m left sensing that Jesus is saying something more. I can’t help concluding that he is trying to get us to consider the role our heart plays in how we hear what God is saying?

The mind will usually attempt to break down what we hear into something we can easily comprehend or categorise. We often seek understanding in order to have an explanation – and we often find a type of peace when we can explain something, or when it “makes sense”.

But the heart has a greater capacity for spiritual engagement; it has a different way of understanding. The understanding of the heart often embraces ideas, concepts or principles that we cannot yet explain. It is through this embrace that we discover more of the ‘peace that passes understanding’ (Phil 4.7).

Consider carefully how I listen.

Consider Carefully What You Hear

Even though we began by looking at this idea from the book of Hebrews, it was Jesus who established the importance of giving careful consideration to what we hear when he said, “Consider carefully what you hear” (Mk 4.24).

There is something about the way Jesus says this that causes me to want to slow everything down in order to think through what I’ve heard from him. I feel a seriousness; a weightiness when I contemplate this instruction. There is an implication that, once I’ve heard something, I have a responsibility to do something with it. Once I’ve heard Jesus’ teaching, I have a decision to make. It’s as though hearing the words of Jesus gives me ownership – I either accept them or reject them. A part of me wants to ask if there is room or time for setting aside some of his instructions to deliberate later; but, at the same time, I feel that isn’t really an option I want to pursue.

Jesus made this statement just before he said. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you…whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him” (Mk 4.24-25). So, he really is reinforcing the responsibility of using what we’ve been given – what we’ve heard.

What I’ve heard from Jesus must be believed, acted on and integrated into my life. And, the more I put it into practice, the more I will get. However, a decision not to put into practice what I hear results in losing what I had.

There is a part of me that reacts against this idea. There is something about it that seems unfair. Wouldn’t it be better to simply say that the amount of benefit one gets is in direct proportion to the amount one decides to use? If I use less, then I get less. If I use more, then I get more. That sounds fair.

But that’s not how things work in God’s economy – especially when it comes to the teachings of Jesus. Jesus’ words are much too valuable. His message is far too important.

I recall the words of a pastor-friend who, when someone learns something new, says, “You need to use it or you’ll lose it”.

Maybe I’m taking this all a bit too personally. Yes, Jesus spelled out these things quite specifically; there is no denying the seriousness of his teaching and it does tie-in with what was said by the author of Hebrews (see post). But, rather than it being interpreted negatively, could it be that Jesus is giving us a motivation to listen beyond the surface of what we hear? Could it be that he is encouraging us to dig more deeply into the content of what he is saying?

Just before Jesus tells us to consider carefully what we hear, he tells us that everything that has been hidden is meant to be disclosed and whatever is concealed is to be brought out into the light (Mk 4.22).

While we have a responsibility to obey and live up to what Jesus has commanded and instructed, the other side of the coin is that we have a responsibility to uncover the truths he has hidden within his words for us to find.

This sounds remarkably like what the Father said, “The secret things belong to God but the things revealed belong to man” (Dt 29.29) and “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter but the glory of kings to search out a matter” (Pr 25.2).

This perspective completely changes my understanding of Jesus’ original statement. If we consider carefully, using the measure we’ve been given in order to search for the secrets that have been hidden for us to discover, then more will be added to us. If we don’t consider carefully what we’ve heard, then we are not likely to search out the deeper secrets. In this case, it’s as if we have considered the message of no value, because we have not combined it with faith.

Consider carefully what you hear. Yes, it sounds weighty; but it also provides a clue to treasures buried within his words.

Combine Faith to What We Hear

“For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard it did not combine it with faith” (Hb 4.2)

I’ve never been one for holding onto things I rarely use or feel I don’t need. Recently I cleared a few boxes out of the attic and was surprised at some of the things I found. Stored away in boxes were a few valuable gifts we had received from some extremely generous friends. As I looked through the rediscovered treasures, I recalled having stored them for safe-keeping during our house move a number of years ago – I had then forgotten all about them after the move. I felt bad when I found them. I felt as though I hadn’t valued the gifts. Even worse, I felt that by forgetting the gift I was, in some way, not honouring the person who gave them to us.

In circumstances like moving house I can understand how some things can be put away and forgotten over the years, even high-value items. But, what about the really important things we come across on a daily basis? How is it that we can, seemingly, not place value on these things?

The writer of Hebrews gives a stark warning to those of us who have chosen to disregard or not pay attention to the message we have heard. But in giving the warning he also provides a key to help us learn how to not find ourselves in that situation.

The author warns the readers not to harden their hearts when they hear the voice of Jesus (Hb 3.15). He then explains a process of how someone’s heart becomes hard (3.16-19). If we take the sequence in reverse, the deterioration toward a hard heart looks like this:

Unbelief — Disobedience — Sin — Rebellion — Hard Heart

So, unbelief is the start of the downward spiral that, if not interrupted, can lead to a hardened heart. Notice the initial question in v.16; “Who were they who heard and rebelled?”. This means the people he’s talking about had heard from God. They had heard God’s words but chose not to pay careful attention to what they heard. This lack of attention, added to unbelief, put them on the slippery slope toward a hard heart.

But, this trajectory wasn’t automatic. The people could have chosen to believe the message and enter the path that leads to life. If they had considered the message important, that it had intrinsic value and was worthy of their attention, they could have avoided the spiritual disaster of hard hearted rebellion. But the author says that the message was “of no value to them because they did not combine it with faith” (4.2).

Wow! They considered the message – the words of God – of no value. I find myself asking, ‘how could anyone decide that the words of God have no value?’ But, before I begin the self-righteous parade, I must consider my own history. How often have I disregarded the words of God? How many times have I not placed appropriate value on the instructions of Jesus? If the words of Jesus could be boxed and stored away, how many valuable teachings would I find in the attic of my heart?

Faith is an intrinsic component of belief. When we believe a message, we apply faith to it. When we don’t believe a message, we have no faith to apply. If we say we believe a message, but don’t apply faith to it, I wonder if we truly believe it – or do we just like the sound of what we’ve heard?

Attributing value is a key God provides to help us avoid the trap of unbelief. Let us learn to recognise the value of what we hear from God, choose to believe him and apply faith to what we hear.

Forgetting or Paying Attention

There are some things that I rarely seem to forget. Rarely will I go a morning without having a mug of coffee. Unfortunately, I am one of those who get a slight headache by noon if I haven’t had a coffee. (I know, that’s telling me something…).

Sometimes I forget things that are important. Sometimes I forget things when I leave the house in a rush. My wife is accustomed to me coming back into the house a few minutes after I left because I forgot my phone, my watch or my wallet. On a more important level, I am prone to forgetting people’s birthdays and anniversaries. This doesn’t bother some people, yet I would like to remember so I can communicate how much they mean to me on their special day. But I still forget.

Sometimes, when I read Scripture I realise I’ve forgotten an important part of the message Jesus delivered. How could I forget something of such importance? How is it that a component of such good news could fall outside my intention and focus? Perhaps I hadn’t taken it seriously…? Maybe I didn’t really understand it in the first place…? Is it possible I had not given it priority in my heart or thinking…?

In thoughts like this I am reminded of what the author of Hebrews said, “we must pay more careful attention to what we have heard”.

If I paid more careful attention to what I’ve heard from Jesus, maybe I wouldn’t forget so much of what he said. Could it be that the ups & downs I face in my attempts to become like Jesus would become less extreme if I paid more attention to what I’ve heard from him? Is it possible that if I gave more careful attention to the message Jesus spoke, my pursuit of becoming more like him may become more consistent?

“We must pay more careful attention to what we have heard” (Hb 2.1)

Message of Importance

I have four children; three of whom are teenagers. This means that sometimes our house can be a busy, active place. In this environment details about collection times, after-school activities, and weekend plans can often be missed – even though one person is convinced the others were informed. Usually these kinds of miscommunications are easily managed: a family calendar is used for scheduling, reminders are given and greater efforts at communication are made by all. But, in order to ensure a certain message is made clear to the entire family (eg. housekeeping responsibilities) it is not uncommon for me to gather everyone into a room and make a family announcement in the form of a ‘town crier’. Yes, I do the “Hear ye, Hear ye…” complete with my best attempts at old English to get the point across.

Some messages are important and must be heard.

We live in a society in which people, companies and advertisers are constantly sending us messages. Through visual displays, roadside signage, TV & radio commercials and ads delivered through the apps and websites we use, companies are sending us messages to sell their brand and lure us into buying their product. I am usually able to simply tune out, or ignore most of these messages because they aren’t important or relevant to me.

Some messages are not important and do not need my attention.

Some messages are important. Some messages are not important. How do I decide what message is important? That may come down to my frame of mind or concerns of the moment. But for matters of real significance the determination will likely be based on my core values and who or what I believe.

Western culture is increasingly opposed to the idea that Jesus is even real – let alone the idea that his message is relevant. When a myriad of messages clamour for my attention, most of them delivering standards which compete with the values of Jesus, it can be challenging to filter out the negative and maintain clarity on what Jesus has said. In this context, it is even more necessary for those who follow Jesus to remind one another of WHO it is that we believe.

Some messages are important and need to be heard. Other messages are not important and can simply be ignored. But the messages delivered and declared by Jesus are of supreme importance and require my utmost care and attention.

“In the past God spoke to us through the Prophets; but in these last days he has spoken through his Son.” (Hb 1.2)

God Has Spoken By His Son

“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets…but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son” (Hb 1.1-2)

For many years, God directed his people through the Prophets. The people understood that the Prophets could hear God and declare God’s will and purposes to the people. In fact, God would not do anything without first declaring it to the Prophets (Amos 3.7).

It is said of Samuel, that none of his words fell to the ground (1 Sam 3.19). This meant he spoke what he heard from God and didn’t exaggerate or embellish from his own perspective. Consequently, what the people heard from Samuel, could be counted as from God and should be valued as such. Over time the people paid less attention to what the Prophets had to say.

“…but in these last days God has spoken to us by his Son”.

But where God once used the Prophets to communicate to people, he has now spoken through his Son. Where people only caught a partial image of his nature through the life and message of the Prophet, now we can see the fullness of his nature through the life and message of Jesus. No longer do we hear about God through the way a Prophet repeats what God has said; now we are able to hear from God himself.

Jesus is the exact representation of God (Heb 1.3) and spoke what he heard from the Father:

…for I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me (Jn 8.28)
I can only say what I hear my Father say…. (Jn 5.19)
…my teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me. (Jn 7.16)

And the people perceived something very different when they heard Jesus speak. Perhaps it goes back to the tangible sensations we’ve mentioned, but the people were clearly able to discern that Jesus spoke as one who had authority (Mk 1.22). This was in complete contrast to what they had heard – or didn’t hear – from the religious leaders of the day.

The words and teachings of Jesus contained so much life that people were drawn to him. They recognised; felt; believed within themselves, that his words were ‘flawless’ (Ps 12.6). People may not have been able to articulate what was happening inside them, but there must have been a lot of burning hearts among the crowd because even as they heard Jesus speaking people put their faith in him (Jn 8.30).

In these days God has spoken through his Son. Putting faith in him means more than believing what he says. Putting our faith in him means that we believe him.

The Life in Jesus’ Words

After one of Jesus’ teachings most of those listening, including many of his followers, left Jesus saying things like, “This teaching is too difficult to follow.” Jesus asked the 12 disciples if they wanted to leave as well but Peter responded on behalf of the group saying, “Where would we go? You have the words of eternal life” (Jn 6.68).

There is something that happens within the person who hears the words of Jesus. Although it is intangible it can be, at the same, very tangible. The internal sense of weightiness, conviction and hope are all thoroughly tangible sensations that one can experience when the words of Jesus are heard.

The Prophet Jeremiah described the words of God as a fire in his belly that he could not contain (Jer 20.9). Paul described the words of God as a purifying, cleansing water (Eph 5.26). The author of Hebrews said the words of God are ‘sharper than a sword that divides spirit and soul’ (Heb 4.12) And the disciples on the road to Emmaus recognised their hearts were burning as the risen Jesus spoke to them (Lk 24.32).

All of these sensations – these tangible manifestations within those who hear God’s words – are a component of what Jesus described when he said, “my words are spirit and they are life” (Jn 6.63). The alive-ness of his words and the substance of his Spirit cause a sensation in us that is often difficult to describe – yet it initiates an experience that leaves an indentation in our thought process.

The words of Jesus do not just stir, burn or stimulate; they are an ongoing source of life within us affecting who we believe, the way we think and, consequently, how we live.

Words

Words. We use them all the time. We use words to communicate; to express an idea, a thought or an emotion. We use words to entertain; to sing a song, tell a story or share a joke. We use words to conduct business; to promote a cause; to influence others. Sometimes, we use words without fully thinking through the way others will hear the words – so we often must use words to clarify, to apologise or seek forgiveness.

Words are powerful. Words create new realities; new possibilities. Words can inspire, convey truth, elevate thoughts, ignite hope and impart faith. Words can change someone’s demeanour; someone’s outlook; someone’s perspectives.

Words can build up and words can tear down. The words we speak can discourage, distort truth, dampen hope, spark conflict, invite chaos and perpetuate fear. In this context, the message of Proverbs is a stark reminder; “Life and death are in the power of the tongue” (18.21).

The power to bring life and death through the spoken word is available to all. This power is a natural ability which carries a spiritual reality, which is true for those outside the Kingdom just as it is for those within the Kingdom.

But for those of us inside the kingdom, those within whom Holy Spirit dwells, the choice of words is even more important. This is true for several reasons. One of the main reasons is found in Jesus’ statement, “It is from the overflow of the heart that the mouth speaks” (Lk 6.45).

What are the reservoirs from which my words come?

Simon, Do You Love Me? (Part 6)

When I first realised that Jesus gave Simon the new name but didn’t seem to use it when he spoke to him, I found myself being a little confused; even a little uneasy. Why give him the name and not call him that when you talk to him? Why put the guy through that kind of confusion?

Now that I see the end of the story I am more settled, more at peace. Again, much of this is my own surmising, but when we get to the final conversation between Jesus and Simon, it is clear that something very significant had taken place.

After the resurrection – and after Jesus had appeared to the Disciples a few times – Simon and some of the others were out fishing. Although they had seen Jesus and experienced the breath-taking awe of his resurrection, I still wonder what was going through Simon’s mind? How was he dealing with the fact that he had denied Jesus?

While they were in the boats Jesus showed up on the beach cooking fish that he ‘caught’ before the others dragged in another substantial catch. After breakfast Jesus had a conversation that is often referred to as the re-instatement of Peter, yet Jesus continued to call him Simon.

Simon…, Simon…, Simon…

Three times Jesus asks, “Simon, do you love me?” The Greek words used in this conversation (Jn 21.15-17) relay an increasing level of personal commitment; intimate, experiential knowing; and profound, godly love. By using a progression of words which reveal a deepening of the meaning of love, Jesus is directing Simon’s attention more deeply into the very core of his identity and, therefore, the very depths of his relationship with Jesus.

It’s as if each question from Jesus reminded Simon of his three denials. Each question about the level and type of love he had for Jesus forced Simon to face what was at the root of each denial.

“I don’t know him.” …Simon, do you love me?

“I am not one of his followers!” …Simon, do you really love me?

“I don’t know what you’re talking about!!” …Simon, do you truly love me?

After the third exchange Jesus told him of the kind of death Simon would undergo and then re-issued his invitation for Simon to follow him. It’s as if Simon had to get to the very bottom of ‘Simon’ in order to become the ‘Peter’ Jesus knew he was. Once Peter had gotten to that place, Jesus re-issued the call, “Follow me!” (Jn 21.19).

The power of Jesus’ mercy is striking. He didn’t condemn Simon; yet neither did he ignore the denials. But rather than give him a lecture, Jesus went straight to the heart of the issue.

Simon, do you love me? You denied me because you were afraid.

Simon, do you love me? You were afraid because there was a part of you that was insecure about my love.

Simon, do you love me? There is a depth of relationship with me that can free you from the effects of fear, insecurities and desire for reputation.

Peter…. Follow me!

Tell the Disciples and Peter (Part 5)

I often wonder what those hours immediately following the crucifixion were like for Simon. What thoughts ran through his mind after he denied knowing Jesus? How did he deal with the sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach as he reflected on how he’d turned his back on his friend, his teacher, his master?

Jesus had actually called him Peter – Cephas – the ‘rock’. And within that exchange, the only time Jesus ever called him by that name, Jesus also warned Simon that he would betray Jesus. Imagine the incongruity of it all.

Simon, you’ve lived with the fact that three years ago I gave you a new name, yet I’ve continued to call you Simon. Your new name, Peter, is a name of which you can be proud. It’s a solid name; a name which reflects an uncompromising nature. Now, in the very moment I finally use that name to address you, I’m also telling you that you will behave in a manner that is the very opposite of this new name.

I wonder if Simon was able to put all this together with Jesus’ statement immediately prior?

“Simon, Satan has asked to sift you but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Lk 22.31).

Even though Simon may not have made it through the ‘sifting’ in the way he likely would have preferred. Jesus knew Simon truly was the ‘rock’ worthy of the name Peter. Jesus had confidence in him.

But, what was it like for Simon during that day in-between? Was he able to look the other disciples in the eye? Was there tension between them all? Simon, you and John went into the courtyard so you would know what was happening to Jesus. Why did you run off? Did Simon feel he was no longer worthy to be counted among them?

I realise this is my own speculation, but something the angel said to the women stands out to me. When the women arrived at Jesus’ tomb and found it was empty the angel said to them, “…Go tell his disciples and Peter…” (Mk 16.7).

The angel didn’t say, “Tell the disciples and Simon…” Not only did the angel refer to him by the new name, but the angel was aware there was already some sort of distance between Simon and the rest of the Disciples. Had Simon already distanced himself? Had he turned away?

Perhaps, the angel’s instruction was to indicate to everyone that Simon was still included in the group. Perhaps, the use of the name Peter, was an indication to all that Simon was no longer to be called Simon. Perhaps, the use of the name Peter, was an indication to Simon that, despite how he may have felt at the moment, he truly was Peter.

Simon…, Simon, when you turn back; strengthen your brothers.

SeanCopeland.org

Learning to Live Up to What We've Already Attained