Tag Archives: Process

Consider Carefully & Train the Senses

Giving careful consideration to how I listen is a challenge. It’s a little bit like trying to identify how I think, or the way I choose one option over another.

In my lighter moments I think of the old Kung-Fu films I watched as a boy. No matter what else was happening in any given film, there was always a scene in which the young apprentice was left dazed and confused by the wisdom of the Master Teacher. Characteristically, the Master rarely explained himself to the apprentice, he merely waited until the apprentice was ready to hear the deeper pearls of wisdom.

I realise this analogy falls short on a lot of levels but there are similarities in what we’re discussing. How we listen, how we understand the many ways we hear and perceive God, is a tool that will enable us to mature in relationship with God.

The author of Hebrews made a statement that is a little unsettling. He told his readers that what he had to say was hard to explain because they (his readers) had become dull in their understanding (Hb 5.11). He told them they were still in need of someone to teach them the basic elements of the word of God and went on to say they were unacquainted with the word of righteousness (Hb 5.13).

Imagine hearing that! “Young Grasshopper, you are unfamiliar with the Word of God! Because of your dullness, the things you must learn will be hard for you to understand.”

His statement in verse 14 is the one that has captured my attention. “But solid food is for the mature, for those whose faculties have been trained by practice…” (NRSV). The Greek could be literally translated ‘faculties of perception’. Another English version (NAS) translates this by saying, ‘having their senses trained’.

Whichever translation we choose to read, the significance of this phrase reinforces that practice and training are necessary if we are to grow into maturity. If training and practice are required, there is an implication that we may not always discern correctly when it comes to hearing the Word of righteousness. That means there is an element of trying to identify what we sense in our heart and being willing to learn from our mistakes when we don’t get it correct. (A further implication is that those who lead have a responsibility to support, encourage and provide safe structures for people to grow in this.)

But regardless of what anyone else does, it is my obligation to engage in this training of my senses (faculties of perception). I do so, not because I want to be the next Master of the Christian dojo. I do so because I want to grow into maturity and deepen my relationship with the One whom I believe. I do so because I want to be open to any and all the ways he may choose to speak to me.

Hearing the Word & Receiving the Seed

As we embark on the journey of recognising the importance of WHO we believe as opposed to WHAT we believe, the principle of applying faith to what we hear is a central component.

On one hand, since we’re more focused on WHO rather than WHAT, it can sound contradictory to say that we apply faith in the message we hear. The question could be asked, ‘Shouldn’t we apply faith in God, rather than in the message we hear from God?’ But there doesn’t need to be any contradiction in this.

When God speaks, his message reveals an aspect of his nature. Because of who he is, his message carries his life-giving essence and the substance of his Spirit (Jn 6.63). This could be a reason the Apostle Paul said, “Faith comes by hearing” (Rom 10.17).

I think of the process in this way. When we hear the message from God the soft heart is predisposed to recognise the life and substance of God contained within the words we hear. With the recognition of this aspect of God’s nature, faith is stirred within our spirit which enables the heart to respond in faith. It’s as if the words of God contain the active ingredient which causes our spirit to respond with faith. Remember, as we’ve discussed, faith is the by-product of belief.

In a few places, Scripture describes the word of God as the ‘seed’ of God (the Greek word used here is “sperma” [1 Jn 3.9]). In the natural systems of reproduction, the role of the seed is to fertilise the egg. Imagine that our faith is the ‘egg’ which is fertilised by the ‘seed’ of God. When we combine our faith with the seed of God, a deeper awareness of his nature is conceived within our hearts.

In the natural, life must be cared for and nurtured. In the same way, we need to learn how to nurture the newly received revelation in order to integrate it into our lives and decision-making. It’s as if the newly grasped revelation needs to develop within the womb of our soul.

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.

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.

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)

Words of Jesus

Jesus is the ultimate example of the power of words. He is the living word – he is the WORD made flesh (Jn 1.1-3). Jesus was with the Father during the creation process, and through him all things were created. Is it a coincidence, then, that creation was brought into existence through the spoken word (Gen 1.3; Col 1.16).

Jesus told us that his words will never pass away (Mt 24.35). How could they? His words are Spirit and they are Life (Jn 16.13). His words were not just sounds emanating from his mouth. The very essence of his words was life. Their very substance was spirit. His words do not merely communicate life; they do not just contain life – they are life. Because of this Jesus’ words do not, cannot, fade away or disintegrate.

His words are living and active. From the moment Jesus spoke, his words have lingered in the realms of the Spirit; pregnant with creative power. When we become exposed to those words, our spirit is quickened because the words are just as powerful today as when Jesus first spoke them. They retain the fullness of his nature and carry the goodness of his promises.

Many have attempted to relegate the statements of Jesus to the mere sayings of a prophet, a philosopher or a wise teacher. The only way one can relegate his words to this human level is through the hardness of our heart. But no matter how hard it may have become, the heart that hungers can be made soft again. Once alerted to the life-giving sustenance of his words, the heart quickly acknowledges that bread alone will no longer satisfy (Dt 8.3; Mt 4.4).

And that seems to be one of the main purposes for the words spoken by Jesus. His intent was to help people hear, see and understand the Father (Jn 14.9). One way he did this was by speaking only that which he heard the Father say (Jn 5.19). And, because Jesus revealed and declared the purposes of God, His words that continue to linger will not return to him empty but will accomplish the purposes for which he sent them (Is 55.11).

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.

Simon, Peter, Simon (Part 4)

Not long after the second time of announcing Simon’s change of name, Jesus finally calls him Peter. The only recorded instance of Jesus calling Simon by the name Peter is recorded in Luke 22.34. Jesus uses the name Peter when he prophesied that Simon was about to deny him three times that night. Ouch.

Why did Jesus wait until this moment to call him Peter? It seems so contrary to the new name. This is the occasion when Simon is the least rock-like. Why not call him Peter after one of his many declarations of truth, or demonstrations of faithfulness? Why not call him Peter after he walked on water!?! Why wait to call him by this name of ‘rock’ when you’re telling him he will be very un-rock-like? Why use this name to tell Simon he will betray his friend, the one for whom only moments previously he had said he would lay down his life?

“Peter, before the rooster crows you will have disowned me three times.”

When the soldiers came to arrest Jesus, Simon took up the sword – some would say that is rock-like behaviour when your mentor and rabbi is being abused and unfairly treated.

When Jesus was taken in for questioning, Simon and John talked their way into the courtyard – some would say that is rock-like behaviour to stay aware of what is happening to your friend and teacher.

But when he is questioned by a servant girl Simon operated in non-rock-like behaviour. Some may say it didn’t really matter what a servant girl thought, Simon was focused on what was happening to Jesus. The servant girl was a distraction. Simon wanted to find out what would happen to Jesus, so he let the denials flow and kept his attention on the court proceedings.

Imagine Simon’s fear and guilt when he heard the rooster crow. Imagine the sinking feeling in his gut when he realised that these flippant denials to an insignificant servant girl really did matter. Imagine the depth of shame and embarrassment as he made eye contact with Jesus. What passed between them in that brief encounter? How rock-like did Simon feel in those moments?