Throughout your lifetime, who has spoken into it? Likely, the older you are the more people you could name who have spoken into your life, made an indelible impact. Yet, no matter your age, someone stands out in your mind from your formative years, as an older child or teenager. During those formative years we are being shaped by our relationships. When an older person takes an interest in us during those years, it can be a life-changing, rewarding relationship experience.
Have you ever considered what about that person allowed you to trust and to listen to him/her? One of the main reasons people are able to speak into our lives is that he/she began by wanting to listen to us. He/she wanted to understand who we were and what we wanted or needed from life.
Think on this, every true, lasting relationship is enabled because we have taken time to understand each other, to get to know the heart of the other person. The challenge in every relationship is to take the time necessary to move through this understanding, not attempting to bypass it.
Scripture in Proverbs 24:3 says, “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.” God’s wisdom is certainly a plus in building any relationship. In addition, a common and reciprocal understanding of one another is required. Without this understanding the relationship is doomed to be short-lived.
Every person old enough to read and understand this is old enough to be an influence in another person’s life. I am so grateful for those God has placed in my path to impact me in a positive, God-centered way. Without them I would not have been able to be used by God over the years. I thank God upon every remembrance of each one who took time to understand me in my adolescent years, prior to those years and since.
The men and women (boys and girls) of our younger generations need those type relationships today. The world is filling young minds with all sorts of destructive behaviors and practices. The church must be the church and give time to listen to understand those of younger generations in our church, so that God can impact their lives as He has mine and perhaps yours.
Before you speak to be understood, it is vitally important to listen to understand. If you are not willing to lend an ear and listen, you cannot expect to be heard. Those who made an impact on you, whether you realize it or not, first listened to understand you, what you wanted or needed from life.
God has placed people around you, in your church and other life settings so that you can be His influencer to the next generations. What will you do today to be one who is given permission by those of younger generations to speak into their lives? It begins by being willing to listen for understanding.
George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life. Click here to receive this blog in your email inbox each Tuesday.