As a nursing student, I have quickly learned that nurses must possess the art of listening. Listening is a critical part of nursing assessments. Nurses gather both objective and subjective data about patients through listening. In our present age, we are all quick to speak but slow to listen. We impulsively share our opinions but often fail to hear the hearts of others. The act of listening is always being refined in the life of a Christian. In my own spiritual walk, I admit to being quick to raise my requests to God but much slower to be still and truly listen to what God is whispering to my heart. We know medical errors occur when healthcare professionals fail to listen effectively, but how many opportunities for spiritual growth do we pass up when we are the ones doing all the talking? How many chances to minister to others do we forfeit because we are deaf to Christ’s voice when He commands us to be His hands and feet?
A stethoscope is one of the ultimate tools for healthcare professionals. In nursing school, we have learned to assess a patient’s heart sounds, lung sounds, abdominal sounds, and blood pressure with this valuable tool. The use of a stethoscope requires intentional and dedicated listening - talking or excess background noise can drown out the sounds we are trying to hear. How similar this is to a Christian’s spiritual journey. Talking and excess background noise, whatever form it may take in our busy lives, drown out the most important Voice. Like the nurse’s stethoscope, Christians have been given the ultimate tool for listening: the Bible. God speaks to our hearts through His Word when we open ourselves to listening. Praise the Lord for this gracious gift to us! Lord, please help us to learn to listen to You.
“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
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