Last week I spoke about the importance of a leader being a good communicator. I want to share one more quick thought on this. Communication, as I stated, is speaking, writing and listening. I had shared that listening was sometimes the toughest. A new friend of mine shared with me the following thoughts about listening.
He writes, “The word LISTEN is an Anagram to the word SILENT. During my presentations I talk about the value of being SILENT as you LISTEN. Keeping your mind, body and soul SILENT as you LISTEN during life improves your ability to communicate on many levels.
Some of the most influential leaders in my life have demonstrated this well. They are silent as they take in and comprehend what is being told to them. Once a leader has all the information available and understands the situation fully, then they can begin to successfully work through any given situation.”[1]
These were great words to dwell on. Being a good listener is about being silent and letting the other party speak. In our faith walk, there are times it is critical for us to “be still” as the Bible says, “and know that He is God.”[2]
There is a great story from 1 Kings 19 about the prophet Elijah. Elijah had just killed the prophets of Baal and then he fled to get away from the evil King Ahaz and his wife Jezebel. He came to a cave after travelling for a long time and God met him there.
“Then the word of God came to him: "So Elijah, what are you doing here?" "I've been working my heart out for the God-of-the-Angel-Armies," said Elijah. "The people of Israel have abandoned your covenant, destroyed the places of worship, and murdered your prophets. I'm the only one left, and now they're trying to kill me.” “Then he was told, "Go, stand on the mountain at attention before God. God will pass by." A hurricane wind ripped through the mountains and shattered the rocks before God, but God wasn't to be found in the wind; after the wind an earthquake, but God wasn't in the earthquake; and after the earthquake fire, but God wasn't in the fire; and after the fire a gentle and quiet whisper. When Elijah heard the quiet voice, he muffled his face with his great cloak, went to the mouth of the cave, and stood there. A quiet voice asked, "So Elijah, now tell me, what are you doing here?"[3] Elijah again explained, and God revealed to him that he wasn’t alone, but He had preserved 7000 others who hadn’t bowed down to Baal.
Being still for God and listening for His voice is a key character trait for any Christian leader.
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