HOW JEHOVAH IS LEADING US

Be a Good Listener

It is not enough merely to attend the meetings.  We must listen carefully, paying attention to what is said there.  (Proverbs 7:24) This includes our children.  When a child goes to school, he is expected to pay attention to the teacher, even when a particular subject does not appeal to him or seems beyond his grasp.  The teacher knows that if the child  tries to pay attention, he will derive at least some benefit from the lesson.  Is it not reasonable , then, for school-age  children to pay attention to the instruction provided at congregation meetings rather than be allowed to fall asleep as soon as the meeting begins?  True, among the precious  truths found in the Scriptures are "some things hard to understand."  (2 Peter 3:16)  But we should not underestimate a child's ability to learn.  God does not.  In  Bible times, he commanded his young servants to take care to carry out all the words of this law' some of which doubtless were hard for children to understand.  (Deuteronomy 31:12; compare Leviticus 18:1-30)  Does Jehovah expect any less of children today?

Christian parents realize that their children's spiritual needs are partly filled by what they learn at meetings.  Hence, some parents arrange for their children to take a nap before the meetings so that they will arrive at the Kingdom Hall refreshed and ready to learn. Certain parents may strictly limit or even wisely rule out television viewing for their children on meeting nights.  (Ephesians 5:15, 16) And such parents keep distractions to a minimum, encouraging their children to listen and to learn, in accordance with their age and ability. -Proverbs 8:32

Jesus was speaking to adults when he said: "Pay attention to how you listen."  (Luke 8:18)  These days, that is often easier said than done.  Admittedly, active listening is hard work, but the ability to listen can be developed.  As you listen to a Bible talk or a meeting  part, try to isolate the main ideas.  Anticipate what the speaker is going to say next.  Look for points that you can use in your ministry or apply in your life.  Mentally review the  points that are being considered.  Take brief notes.

Good listening habits are best learned at an early age.  Even before they learn to read and write, some preschoolers are encouraged by their parents  to take "notes" during meetings.  They put a mark on a piece of paper when such familiar words as "Jehovah," "Jesus," or "Kingdom" are used.  In this way, children can learn to concentrate on what is being said from the platform.

Even older children sometimes need encouragement to pay attention. Noticing that his 11-year-old son was daydreaming during a Christian convention, one family head handed the lad a Bible and asked him to look up the scriptures as  they were cited   by the speakers.  The father, who was taking notes, looked on as his son held the Bible. Thereafter, the boy followed the convention program with more enthusiasm.

Next time: Let Your Voice Be Heard

Watchtower, 2000