PASTOR BEN’S COMMENTS

A few years ago Paine-Webber employed an advertising campaign that emphasized their ability to listen to the client’s needs and custom-design an investment package for each one. You may remember the ads: “How did your broker know you wanted to retire early?” “He ASKED.”

They were selling the idea that Paine-Webber representatives listen. The abilitiy to listen is so rare, this major brokerage firm considers it a selling point.

Compare the success of this campaign with that of E.F. Hutton. Of course, everyone remembers “When E.F. Hutton talks, people listen.” However, investors weren’t impressed; today E.F. Hutton is out of business. Paine-Webber realized that people want to invest in a company with a reputation for listening, rather than one with a reputation for talking.

Getting a reputation for being a talker is easy: just open your moutn and let some sound come out. Eventually you’ll get someone’s attention. Developing a reputation as a listener is a different matter, and there’s a “trick” to it. You’ve got to stop talking long enough to hear what others are actually saying, and–more importantly–you must value the other person. Individuals matter to God; they ought to matter to you and me.

Many successful people attribute their success to their ability to listen. Diane Sayer said, “There is no substitute for paying attention.” Sam Walton said, “The key to success is to get out into the store and listen...Our best ideas come from clerks and stock boys.” Chili’s Restaurant says that 80% of its current menu came from suggestions made by employees and customers.

President Lyndon Johnson kept a sign on his wall that said, “You ain’t learning nothing when you’re doing all the talking.” Solomon said practically the same thing:

May I say listening isn’t easy. Try listening when you’re tired, anxious, frustrated, or angry. Try to really listen when you think you already know the answer or decision to be made, i.e., the very old or very young. Try listening to someone recovering from a stroke or any one of many impediments.

Jesus listened and would hear them out: so should we. We need to love them and hear them. Our God will use all manner of people as a means of blessing and informing us. As we strive to become better listeners, let’s remember these words:

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James 1:19

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love” 2 Peter 1:5-7