No Fun When the Score Is Predetermined

January 27, 2020

Scripture

…. everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 

 (James 1:19-20, 22 NIV)

No Fun When The Score Is Predetermined

The last couple of weeks I have been watching two sports. In one of them the score always seems to end at 53-47 – the others are more unpredictable. I usually don’t watch NFL football but their playoffs this year have caught my attention with the outcomes often in doubt till the very end.

The cable channels have been full of impeachment games as well but when seen from a distance it has a farcical kind of tone. The first day both sides spoke with passion, considering the others partisan and then voted on motions with pre-determined 53-47 outcomes. Nobody is really in the game except to carry water for their own side.

We have a similar affliction in Canada – lots of speaking and little listening – with predictable outcomes for our disputes. I won’t pretend that there ever was a time when this silliness hasn’t been part of pubic discourse, but it is fatiguing. I really enjoy conversations with those with whom I disagree when we actually listen and learn from one another- and may even adjust our understanding of one another and even the issues.

I’m as guilty as the next person of not truly listening to understand what another is saying and jumping to conclusions or expressing my “right” opinion. Learning to listen and actually hearing what another is saying and respecting them is a hard discipline. Letting a conversation be open ended and clarifying can be transformational.

A Prayer for Today

O God of all comfort, we want you to listen and hear us when we are in conversation with you. Help us to be more like you, listening with compassionate understanding when we are with those who come across our path. You are generous with all, regardless, help us to be more like you.     .…. For Jesus’ sake