Article June 9, 2008 ISSUE

LISTEN UP!

BY WALTER RODGERS

LISTENING is one of the best skills anyone can cultivate. In any endeavor, it's important. The ability to listen to your spouse is a cornerstone of a successful marriage. Good managers hear their employees, alert for fresh perspectives. Successful politicians listen if they want to stay in office. And while listening is clearly an invaluable job skill, it's also a vital rung on the ladder of spiritual growth.

A friend recently asked me, "How do I become a better listener?" After a moment of reflection, I said: "Open your Bible and Science and Health, and listen. That's how you best hear God revealing Himself to you." I explained that this requires self-surrender, letting go of human will. These books—the words in them—are powerful expressions of even more powerful ideas. And ideas move worlds. When we're truly listening, these divinely inspired ideas silence the material senses and obliterate mental stewing and human turmoil.