Midweek Message from the Archive
Peter, the Listener
This week I’m beginning a series on Leadership. You may think, well, I’m not a leader. Yes, you are. Everyone leads someone, even if it’s your dog! As Christians we’re all role models and re-present Christ in our lives and that, my friend, requires leadership training. I’ll be focusing on the Apostle Simon Peter as our example, his life as a follower of Jesus, and an eventual leader. If it was necessary for him to be trained by the Master learning how to be effective how much more for church leaders today?
Simon’s (Peter) name means ‘he who hears‘. That’s critical because listening is the first leadership trait developed in his life. Jesus observed listening, a necessary character trait, in Simon Peter’s life and yet it needed some ‘tweaking’ or maturing. Let’s think about listening skills in his story.
How about listening to Jesus? Before his name change, Simon (later called Peter) was an impulsive spewer. He reacted with his mouth often before he took the time to think. Even though rebuked by Jesus he eventually matured into a seasoned listener. He sat at the feet of Christ and listened for three years allowing the Messiah to speak into his life. How about you? Are you listening to the Lord or constantly talking? Is your prayer time like a grocery list or have you become intimate with your Savior? Scripture is clear; we need to develop our listening skills as we spend time with Him.
My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart. Proverbs 4:20, 21
What about listening to others? Would people say you’re a good listener? Do you give eye contact? Do you listen while checking email or texts? Do you put people on speakerphone so you can do other things while they talk? When someone trusts you enough to share something important listen with your ears but also learn to involve your heart as you focus on them. Listen without responding, without giving advice, and without drawing attention to yourself is a challenge I hope you’ll accept.
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19
Who are you listening to? Leaders shouldn’t be afraid to take advantage of good counsel. Moses listened to Jethro and David listened to Nathan; both made good choices. Listening to the ‘right voice’ will keep you on a straight path in leadership. Since there’s a ‘right voice’ we’re assured there’s a ‘wrong voice’. Discerning between the two is crucial to a leader, however, time with God helps you distinguish His voice from a stranger’s: check out John 10:1-5.
Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. Proverbs 12:15
Effective leaders have learned to be good listeners; trust me when I say you can improve.
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