My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. (James 1:19, NIV)
There’s a lot of advice out there regarding this game we love. Some enjoy sharing it, but most prefer keeping instructional thoughts to themselves. We may all seek improvement, but how we gain it can be dramatically different.
Many of us are just fine, slowly discovering methods that help without putting forth much effort; however, for Tour Players, a wealth of resources beckons. Physical conditioning coaches, swing coaches, putting coaches, statistics gurus, nutritionists, and even psychologists exist.
This makes listening to your buddy’s advice seem much simpler. One thing I do know….for any advice to sink in, whether for the Tour Player or recreational golfer, one must be willing to listen.
I don’t think it’s easy being a good listener. It goes against our human nature—we tend to want to immediately share our thoughts in any conversation, often interrupting the one speaking. Don’t believe me…. try intentionally listening to your spouse this evening and giving your undivided attention to what they say.
Remember, no interrupting nor finishing their statements for them. You’ll find that James’ advice would be easier to heed if he said, “Be quick to speak and slow to listen.”
One of the more frequent comments I hear on the golf course from someone whose game may be off is, “I just need to slow down.” What are they referring to exactly? Probably several things….perhaps their swing tempo, putting stroke, walking or pace of play, maybe even their thinking. Slowing things down to refocus on a fundamental can often create a positive momentum swing in golf.
Several months ago, Links Fellowship Groups nationwide were involved in a study series entitled “What God May Say.” In this series, we were challenged with the thought of Two-Way Prayer. A method of intentionally listening to what God may want to say after petitioning him in prayer.
It’s more challenging than it sounds, but aren’t answers often what we seek when we pray to God?
We can all agree that listening to our spouses, golfing buddies, and others is a great way to show value and respect to the one speaking. So the question lurks: have you also given the same consideration to your Heavenly Father? In John’s gospel, Jesus brings up the importance of listening to his Father. What is it he wants you to hear?
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.” John 6:44-45,47 NIV
Are you listening to the Father? Do you feel him drawing you to the Savior? Have you come to Jesus for forgiveness of sin and everlasting life? Slow down, take a moment, and listen. Make Jesus your Savior today.
Prayer: Father in Heaven, thank you for drawing all who call upon the name of The Lord. Thank you for allowing us to listen and go to Jesus for everlasting life. In your precious name, Lord. Amen.