The Transformative Power of Listening and Humility
Summary
Taking a moment to reflect on today's message, we delved into the profound importance of listening, especially when it comes to hearing what we might not want to hear. Listening is not just about absorbing information; it's about opening ourselves up to wisdom that can guide us through life's interconnected journey. We often find ourselves resistant to advice, especially when it challenges our desires or preconceived notions. Yet, it's in these moments of resistance that we need to pause and truly listen. This is where maturity begins—when we are willing to hear what we need to hear, even if it's uncomfortable.
Life is a series of connected events, and today's decisions shape tomorrow's realities. Wisdom is recognizing this connection and making choices that align with a broader understanding of life's continuity. We explored the idea that refusing to listen is a gateway decision that can lead to regret. It's not just about avoiding mistakes; it's about crafting a life story that we are proud to share with others.
We also touched on the humility required to seek and accept advice. Solomon, despite his wisdom, sought discernment from God, acknowledging his limitations. This humility is crucial for receptivity to wisdom. Pride, on the other hand, creates resistance and blinds us to the insights that could guide us.
In practical terms, we must avoid the genetic fallacy, not assuming expertise in all areas, and not confusing experience with insight. Listening for the "I know" moments can be a cue to open ourselves to new perspectives. Ultimately, being quick to listen and slow to speak can transform our lives and the lives of those around us.
Key Takeaways:
- The Power of Listening: True listening involves opening ourselves to hear what we might not want to hear. This requires maturity and humility, recognizing that wisdom often comes from unexpected sources. Listening can prevent regret and guide us toward a life story we are proud to tell. [09:19]
- Life's Interconnectedness: Our decisions today shape our tomorrows. Wisdom is understanding this connection and making choices that reflect this awareness. Refusing to listen can lead to regret, as it often precedes unwise decisions. [06:58]
- Humility and Wisdom: Solomon's prayer for discernment highlights the importance of humility in seeking wisdom. Recognizing our limitations opens us to receive guidance and insight, while pride creates resistance. Humility equals receptivity. [20:33]
- Avoiding Common Pitfalls: We must avoid the genetic fallacy, not assume expertise in all areas, and not confuse experience with insight. These pitfalls can hinder our ability to receive valuable advice and grow in wisdom. [35:31]
- The Habit of Listening: Being quick to listen and slow to speak can transform our relationships and decision-making processes. This habit fosters a posture of openness and receptivity, benefiting not only ourselves but also those who depend on us. [42:06]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:07] - Introduction to "You'll Be Glad You Did"
[00:20] - Seeking and Giving Advice
[00:52] - The Art of Listening
[01:22] - Marriage and Life Decisions
[02:33] - Financial Wisdom
[03:10] - Human Nature and Resistance
[04:45] - Timeless Advice for Troubled Times
[06:29] - Wisdom and Life's Connections
[07:49] - The Challenge of Listening
[09:19] - Maturity in Listening
[10:36] - The Gateway Decision
[12:14] - The Importance of Outside Counsel
[20:33] - Humility and Wisdom
[35:31] - Avoiding Common Pitfalls
[42:06] - Conclusion and Next Steps
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Kings 3:7-9 - Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom
2. Proverbs 12:15 - The Way of a Fool
3. James 1:19 - Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak
---
Observation Questions:
1. What was Solomon's attitude when he became king, and how did he express his need for wisdom? (1 Kings 3:7-9)
2. According to Proverbs 12:15, how does a fool view their own decisions, and what is the contrast with a wise person?
3. In the sermon, what does Andy Stanley suggest is the natural human tendency when it comes to listening to advice? [10:04]
4. How does James 1:19 relate to the sermon’s emphasis on the importance of listening?
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might Solomon's request for a discerning heart be considered a model for seeking wisdom in our own lives? (1 Kings 3:7-9)
2. How does the concept of life being interconnected influence the way we should approach decision-making, according to the sermon? [06:58]
3. What are the potential consequences of refusing to listen to advice, as discussed in the sermon? [11:00]
4. How does the sermon suggest humility plays a role in being receptive to wisdom? [20:33]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. Did you seek advice, and if not, what held you back? How might seeking advice have changed the outcome? [11:00]
2. Think of a time when you resisted advice because it was uncomfortable. What was the result, and how might you approach similar situations differently in the future? [09:19]
3. Identify an area in your life where you might be acting like a "fool" by ignoring advice. What steps can you take to open yourself to wise counsel? [25:07]
4. How can you cultivate a habit of being "quick to listen and slow to speak" in your daily interactions? What practical steps can you take this week to practice this? (James 1:19)
5. Consider a person in your life who often gives you advice. How can you show appreciation for their input, even if it challenges you? [16:34]
6. What is one specific area where you need to practice humility to receive wisdom? How can you actively work on this in the coming week? [20:33]
7. Reflect on a decision you are currently facing. Who can you reach out to for advice, and how will you ensure you listen openly to their perspective? [12:14]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Uncomfortable Wisdom
True listening involves opening ourselves to hear what we might not want to hear. This requires maturity and humility, recognizing that wisdom often comes from unexpected sources. Listening can prevent regret and guide us toward a life story we are proud to tell. [09:19]
Proverbs 19:20-21 (ESV): "Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."
Reflection: Think of a recent piece of advice you resisted. How can you open your heart to consider its wisdom today?
Day 2: The Ripple Effect of Decisions
Our decisions today shape our tomorrows. Wisdom is understanding this connection and making choices that reflect this awareness. Refusing to listen can lead to regret, as it often precedes unwise decisions. [06:58]
Ecclesiastes 11:4-6 (ESV): "He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap. As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything. In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good."
Reflection: Identify a decision you are facing today. How can you ensure it aligns with a broader understanding of your life's journey?
Day 3: Humility as a Pathway to Wisdom
Solomon's prayer for discernment highlights the importance of humility in seeking wisdom. Recognizing our limitations opens us to receive guidance and insight, while pride creates resistance. Humility equals receptivity. [20:33]
James 1:5-6 (ESV): "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind."
Reflection: Consider an area where pride may be hindering your growth. How can you practice humility to invite wisdom into this area?
Day 4: Navigating Common Pitfalls
We must avoid the genetic fallacy, not assume expertise in all areas, and not confuse experience with insight. These pitfalls can hinder our ability to receive valuable advice and grow in wisdom. [35:31]
Proverbs 26:12 (ESV): "Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you assumed expertise in an area. How can you cultivate a mindset of learning and openness instead?
Day 5: Cultivating a Listening Heart
Being quick to listen and slow to speak can transform our relationships and decision-making processes. This habit fosters a posture of openness and receptivity, benefiting not only ourselves but also those who depend on us. [42:06]
James 1:19-20 (ESV): "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."
Reflection: Identify a relationship where you can practice being quick to listen and slow to speak. What steps can you take today to foster this habit?
Quotes
Life is connected, that one thing leads to another, that today's decisions show up in tomorrow's realities. And that's what wisdom is. Wisdom is looking at the dilemma, looking at the problem, trying to solve, looking at the options before me and asking: "What's the best option for me in light of the fact that life is connected and this decision will have an impact that may follow me perhaps the rest of my life or at least into the next season of my life?" [00:07:03]
Refusing to listen to what we don't wanna hear that we need to hear is a gateway decision. Refusing to listen to what we don't wanna hear that we need to hear is a gateway decision. Here's what I mean by a gateway decision. The worst thing you've done in your life, the thing that created the greatest regret of your life was not not listening, but refusing to listen was a gateway to the thing that perhaps you wish you could go back and undo, unlive that season of life, that weekend, that marriage, that whatever it might be, that relationship, that financial decision. [00:11:00]
And the wise man, the wise woman, regardless of their age or stage of life, is the one that is willing to uncross their arms and say, "Okay, I don't wanna hear this but go ahead and tell it to me anyway." If you'll stop, if you'll pause, if you'll listen, you'll be glad you did. I guess one way of saying it is this: When you hear yourself saying, or you catch yourself thinking, or you find yourself humming, "I don't need you to worry for me 'cause I'm all right. I don't want you to tell me it's time to come home. I don't care what you say anymore." [00:15:03]
Humility equals receptivity. Pride always equals resistance: "I, I, I don't need to hear that. I, I, I know that. Yeah, I, I, I've heard that before. Thank you, but, you know, I'm... You've never walked in my shoes. Thank you, but no thank you." And the outcome of Solomon's decision, his prayer and God's answering his prayer, is that his fame spread to all the surrounding nations. If you read his story, I mean, men and women, kings and queens travel to sit at Solomon's feet and to sit and listen to his wisdom and ask him questions. [00:20:41]
Plans fail for lack of input, but they succeed with a multitude of counselors. Here's another one. Again, this is a hard one. "Listen to advice and accept discipline." Do you know what discipline means in this context? It means correction. It means, "Hey, I'm gonna tell you what I'm thinking about doing, and I just want you to let me have it. Don't hold back." "Well, "I think this is a terrible idea." "That's what I need to hear. I mean, I don't like it. It doesn't make me feel good, It makes me feel kind of stupid, but I wanna hear it." Correction, pushback, feedback. [00:29:35]
When you hear yourself saying, "I know. I know," what you're really saying... You need to understand, the person on the other side of you, here's what they're hearing, "Shut up. Shut up. Shut up. Shut up. Go away. Go away. I know. I know." That's how you feel when somebody says, "I know. I know." Listen, when you catch yourself thinking, hearing that: "I know. I know," you need to uncross those arms. That may be the moment that you need to hear what you don't wanna hear the most. [00:39:38]
And knowing without doing is worse than not knowing because according to the book of Proverbs, according to Solomon, knowing and not doing makes you a fool, you're living as if life isn't connected. "I know what I ought to, I know what the best thing is, I know the wise thing, but I'm just not going to do it." Solomon would say you're a fool. Again, you're masterminding your own regret. So wrapping up. We've all said it, we've all thought it: "I should have listened. Ah, I should have listened. I should have listened." [00:40:23]
Odds are somebody saw it coming and they either felt so shut down they weren't even gonna try or they tried to tell you and you just wouldn't listen. Or they would have told you they saw it coming if you had or I had invited them into the decision making process earlier. The bottom line is, for me and for you, somebody can see what you can't see. Somebody can see what you can't see. And somebody who cares about you who can see what you can't see, why would we not listen? [00:41:09]
So in the words of James, the brother of Jesus, he says, "We should be quick to listen and slow to speak." And if that becomes the habit of our lives, if that becomes the posture of our lives, we will be glad we did, and the people we love the most and the people who depend on us the most will be glad we did as well. And we will pick it up right there next time in part three of "You'll Be Glad You Did: Timeless Advice for Troubled Times." [00:42:06]
Avoid the genetic fallacy. Which sounds strange. Here's what the genetic fallacy is, some of you know. The genetic fallacy is discounting information based on the source of the information rather than the merit of the information. It's discounting information or advice based on the source rather than the merit. Now, all of us struggle with this. You see somebody and she wants to give you advice, and you're like, "Look at her family. I mean, is she gonna tell me how to raise my kids? I mean, have you seen her kids? They're a mess, right?" [00:35:31]
Don't assume expertise in one area makes you an expert in every area. This is kind of a guy thing, I'll just be honest, okay? Because success is intoxicating. Success is intoxicating. You think you're better than you really are. And when you're extraordinary or you're pretty good or recognized in one area, you think you're just pretty good in every area. That is absolutely not the case. And sometimes people who are super successful professionally, they struggle relationally because there's two different sets of tools, right? [00:37:42]
Don't confuse experience with insight. Don't confuse experience with insight. I mean, you said it, you've heard it, "I wasn't born yesterday." Well, we knew that, so? "This is not my first rodeo." Well, that just means you're good at rodeos. "I've been around the block a time or two." That just means you're dizzy. I don't know what that means. You know what this really means? It just means you're old, not necessarily wise. This is very important, okay? Experience doesn't make you wiser. Evaluated experience makes you wiser. [00:38:35]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Aug 22, 2022. Do you have any questions about it?