Tuesday, March 31, 2009

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Wow! Here's yet another powerful devotional message from Jon Walker. This is something I can't be reminded of enough, it seems. I think I've explained before that I'm a lets-get-it-done-and-check-it-off-the-list kind of person, while my husband is a stop-and-smell-the-roses kind of person. (He is such a better listener than me!) So often, when he is telling me something, I find myself finishing his sentences. While it may be "endearing" that I know him so well, it communicates quite a lack of respect. He'll sometimes gently say to me..."Hon, please let me finish...." ouch. You might well imagine this devotional message stepped all over my toes.

Objective-in-Jesus: Respect

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10 (NIV)

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Respect means we see one another through our Father’s eyes; as eternal beings, chosen by God “for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him;” as “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (1 Peter 2:9 MSG; Romans 8:17 NIV).

Our objective-in-Jesus is to consistently remember we’ll be sharing heaven with those in our small groups and congregations, even those we have difficulty respecting now. And God, in his wisdom, “put the body together in such a way that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity” (1 Corinthians 12:24 NLT).

We often miss this, but one of the simplest ways to show respect is to listen. We offer our presence and open our ears, listening to the hidden hurts and heartaches, the deepest dreams and desires of one another.

The truth is the God of the universe listens to our prayers, which does serious damage to any argument that we’re too busy. Busier than God?

Jesus listened to those around him and he listens to us, which destroys any argument that our mission is too important to listen. Or, is our mission, or even our daily tasks, more important than Jesus?

Our objective-in-Jesus is to respect others enough to let them get the whole story out before we rush in to give an answer, or jump in to fix things, or just plain react to what we think instead of what is true (1 Corinthians 1:10).

You don’t have to agree with what they say; that’s another matter, but unless you hear them out, you won’t even know what they mean. You show others respect, not because of who they are, but because of who they belong to - the same One who created you.

If you’d like to receive these devotionals regularly, you can sign-up at
www.gracecreates.com/subscribe/.

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Did you, like me, see yourself in this message?

Lord, help me keep at the forefront of my mind the importance of truly listening. While it may never be my intention to disrespect, the end result is the same. Remind me that checking things off my "to do list" should never take precedence over taking the time to truly listen and care for those you've so graciously placed in my life. I want to show love the way you would show love. I pray Lord, that you bring this message to mind next time I start to forget. Thank you Father for the loving example you are....

10 comments:

Paula V said...

I've often heard that is why God gave us two ears and only one mouth. I often am thinking of what I can or will say next instead of listening intently. I don't mean it disrepectfully but as I've expressed many times I am a writer and written communicator because I need the time. Often, I think that I will forget what to say if I have to wait until another has finished before I start composing my thoughts. Anal, I know. Not an excuse or valid reasoning. I need to listen better and put to use the two God-given ears.
Love,
Paula

Just a little something from Judy said...

"Listening", an art that I have been privileged to observe and experience from my dear husband. I am always in need of reminders in this area, because I am like you in that I have been known to finish sentences, and to be checking off things on my "to do list", while I really should be zeroing in...listening with my heart and soul to someone speaking to me. I think I am a slow learner at times. Thank you for the "gracecreates" website. I look forward to visiting it.

Amydeanne said...

truly listening! something I need to work on!!!

btw, I was just getting ready to send out your "Pay it forward" gift, but accidentally lost everything in my email account which had your address, I was wondering if you can email me with it again, so I can pop your stuff in the mail!

Thanks!

Amydeanne @ the160acrewoods @ yahoo (dot) ca

Krista said...

Very true! Sometimes I like to think that I am the better listener than my husband yet when he is trying to tell me something, sometimes I notice that my thoughts have wondered away from his voice. What did he say? Going through the Excellent Wife book also has a whole chapter devoted to R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Hmmm...maybe God is trying to tell me something.

Learning to Listen,
Krista

LauraLee Shaw said...

THAT is great meat to chew on. Wow, THANK you!

Andrea said...

Oh, yes, I saw myself in your post. I sometimes find my mind wandering as others talk to me. Some might say it's an ADD thing. I say it's a God thing, for I need to always have the heart of others before my own needs. Jesus is the expert listener. He even hears our hearts. Thank you so much for this word. I have been enriched by my visit to your blog. Many blessings and grace to you.

Andrea

Controlling My Chaos said...

Oh yes. I saw myself here. Thanks for the reminder to listen.

Becky said...

Oy, I'm so guilty of that whole finishing each other's sentences thing (and thinking it was great that we could do that, even), but know I need to work on listening more. Paula took the words right out of my mouth with the two ears one mouth thing.

Tricia said...

That is so good... thank you so much for sharing it with us. I am late getting around to everyone's blogs this week, life has just been busy lately... and computer "stuff" has had to take a back seat.

Thanks also for telling us where we can sign up for these devotions... I am going to do that!

Blessings!

Leaon Mary said...

what a wonderful devotion Tracy!
I see myself as well....
Lord help me to talk less and listen more.
I LOVE YA TRACY!!!