Are You Being a First-Time Listener?

Betsy Hendricks / Next Gen Early Childhood/Preschool Assistant Director

Photo by Sandy Millar on Unsplash

A common phrase you might hear in our home is, “Are you being a first-time listener?” This typically applies to one of our children when we tell them to do something. Our expectation is that they will listen to our instructions and obey without finding 101 things to do before they get around to the task at hand.

Recently, the thought crossed my mind: How many times has God looked at me with His eyebrows raised and asked, “Betsy, are you being a first-time listener?” Whether it is talking to someone, forgiving someone, or stepping out on faith, there have been many times in my life when I have found 101 other things to do before I got around to obeying God.

As adults, we sometimes play it off as being busy, but our hearts know better. The next time you feel prompting from the Holy Spirit, ask yourself, “Am I being a first-time listener?”

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22