© 2023 Coastal Church. All rights reserved | Privacy & Security
1160 West Georgia Street Vancouver, BC, V6E 3H7
Back in 2008, the USA Today newspaper carried an intriguing article. A Harris Interactive survey found that 10 percent of the 2,041 U.S. adults polled were driving a car whose ”Check Engine” light was on. An alarming 50 percent of those whose cars were showing signs of an impending breakdown indicated the light had been on for over 3 months. This light was part of the on-board diagnostic system to alert drivers when their vehicle had a problem. It was there to warn them of a potential danger that could threaten them and perhaps others on the road.
What is interesting is that the survey found drivers had a whole litany of excuses for ignoring the light. Some turned a blind eye toward the indicator because the severity of the problem seemed questionable due to the car ”running fine.” Others pointed to a lack of sufficient funds. Still others simply procrastinated because they were too busy and just didn’t have time to worry about diagnostics and subsequent repairs. Whatever the excuse was, they were choosing not to listen to the warning light. They did not service their car because they did not listen to the car.
Just as vehicles have warning lights that indicate a potential problem in the engine of a car, we too often display a warning light that reveals a potential problem in the engine of our lives, our heart. When we see this “warning light” in those around us, it is often an invitation for us to listen and serve. The first step in serving others well is to listen well and then respond accordingly. Here are a few warning signals of a potential breakdown in a person’s life we may spot while listening to them:
We will notice these indicators when we take the time to listen. Once we have listened, we then know how to serve and care for others. Here are four simple keys to listening well:
In Mark 9:35 we read, “He (Jesus) sat down, called the twelve disciples over to Him, and said, ‘Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.’” Today, in our busy 2022 world, Jesus is calling us over to Himself and giving us the same message. Let’s be willing to serve as He taught us and this all begins with listening.
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© 2023 Coastal Church. All rights reserved | Privacy & Security
1160 West Georgia Street Vancouver, BC, V6E 3H7