Never
let your motivation be your own, personal gain – ever! Instead, humble
yourself, and value other people and their prosperity more than you value your
life. Then you will generously respond to them in ways that advance their
interests. (Philippians 2:3-4)
What is your greatest challenge to your
efforts to be a good listener? Think. You have a choice of two answers;
selfishness or focus. It’s easier to call selfishness lack of focus, right?
But, the critical issue in listening in a focused way is to live as Paul
encourages here; humbly and generously. Focusing on people is about
self-LESS-ness.
Paul obviously had some experience with
personal interaction. How often he must have sought to manipulate others to a
desired end. With his intellect and education, and the power of his office
before he met Jesus, he certainly knew the dynamics of power and intimidation.
Post-meeting Jesus, Paul understands that listening to the person God sends to
him, and to the Lord who arranged the meeting, is the way to advance that
person’s cause. The work is to help them find God’s way, and that work became
Paul’s reason for living.
Give yourself, and your focus, generously to
others. Pursue their interests as God leads you to respond to their needs.
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