Listening to Godly Counsel

I recently found myself humbled by Tara, my 3-year-old daughter. She was calling out to me from across the living room and I was absent-mindedly replying her. After replying what seemed like a repeated question from her 4-5 times and even turning towards her in an attempt to show that I was paying attention, I looked up and saw a ☹ on her face. I went over and asked her what was wrong. She said “you are not listening to me” to which I replied, “but I heard you and replied so many times!” She then said “no, you were always looking at your phone” (not in perfect English but I got the message). So I put the phone away and gave her some undivided time to listen to what she had to say.

Most of us would have experienced a similar situation either at work, home or in school. We thought we understood the assignment but distractions got in the way and probably didn’t get the memo in the first place. The art of listening is in short supply. It is no wonder that even the bible gives advice on listening. James 1:19 says “let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”

When it comes to listening to Godly wisdom, Proverbs 8:32-34 says “And now, O sons, listen to me: blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors.”

In Exodus 18, Moses was overwhelmed by trying to judge every case for Israel by himself. His father-in-law, Jethro, advised him to select capable men and appoint them as officials to share his burden. Moses listened to Jethro’s counsel which led to better leadership, less burnout for himself and justice for the people.

In 1 Kings 12, when Rehoboam asked the elders how he should lead, they advised him to serve the people to lighten their burdens. Instead, he rejected their counsel and followed his peers’ foolish advice in making the people’s yoke heavier. This resulted in the kingdom being split into Israel in the north and Judah in the south.

As we can see from these examples, listening to Godly counsel brings relief and blessings onto oneself but rejecting it and following worldly counsel causes division and strife.

As an intergenerational church, one of Hermon’s unique gifts is that we have different perspectives shaped by different seasons of life. Godly counsel, when practiced well, can turn those differences into strengths instead of tension. Older members bring lived experiences, testimonies of God’s faithfulness and perspective on enduring faith while younger members bring passion, fresh creativity and bold faith. When young and old listen to each other under God’s Word, wisdom can grow both sides. Decisions about worship, outreach and community can cause friction but seeking Godly counsel from all age groups prevents a one-sided view and builds unity.

All these however, hinges on the ability to listen to one another with mutual respect unlike the example of myself when I was patronizing Tara, not listening to a younger voice in earnest. Therefore, let each one of us not be ashamed of our voices irrespective of the seasons we find ourselves by listening to each other, all submitted under God’s Word to produce a healthier, wiser and more unified body of Christ.

And for those wondering, Tara was trying to tell me that her stuffed bunny was sick and needed medication, something I’m sure you’ll agree warranted my listening ear and immediate attention.

Deacon Jeremiah Chan