For someone who speaks for a living, the temptation is always so strong. My natural instinct is to talk before I listen. To speak before I hear.

But this needs to change.

I need to understand, I don't know it all! I know very little actually! Why do I feel so compelled to talk all the time? If I know anything, I need to know this: I can't learn anything while talking!

With this in mind, my commitment is this:

When it comes to my relationship with God...

LESS TALKING. MORE LISTENING.

Less talking about what I want to do for Him. More listening to what He wants to do through me. Less talking about my promises to Him. More listening to His promises for me. Less talking about my desires. More listening to his direction. Less me. More Him.

When it comes to those I am privileged to pastor...

LESS TALKING. MORE LISTENING.

Less talking about where they should go. More listening to where they have been. Less talking about my opinions. More listening to their experiences. Less talking about my suggestions. More listening to their situations. Less me. More them.

When it comes to those I am privileged to learn from...

LESS TALKING. MORE LISTENING.

Less talking about what I'm achieving. More listening to what they've achieved. Less talking about what I think. More listening to what they know. Less talking about my insights. More listening to their wisdom. Less me. More them.

And if these thoughts aren't enough to compel me to do more listening than talking, then these Scriptures should!

"If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame." Proverbs 18:13

"...let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak..." James 1:19

"When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent." Proverbs 10:19