A Lack of Listening in
a culture of conflict
(Part 3)
Date
A Lack of Listening in a Culture of Conflict
In Part 1 and Part 2 of this article series, we established the role that a lack of listening plays in creating a culture of conflict. Having established the relevance of the issue today, and examined the book of James for the remedy found in the gospel of Jesus, it is now time to to determine a fitting response if a community is to be “doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving ourselves.” (James 1:22 ESV), what humbling words!).
As a reminder, we are learning from the word of God in James 1:19-21, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”
Responding to the Issue Today
What follows is a set of both indicatives and imperatives that ought to be adopted or put into action.
First, based on Word of God in James chapter 1, is necessary to adopt the scriptural indicative that human nature is not inherently good. Therefore, humanity is not able to solve its own deepest problem of rebellion against God and maltreatment of one another. If we abandon these two principles because they are unappealing it will immediately guarantee the lasting presence of conflict with God and one another, no matter what other solutions are employed to address the symptoms of conflict. At best, only partial solutions and partial peace will be achieved. At worst, false peace or false pictures will be painted through unrighteous methods like silencing a minority issue with a majority voice or using situational-might to define moral right, or claiming to speak for God without actually listening to His Word. The anger of man will not produce the righteousness of God and the deafness of man toward God will not result in the experience of His new creation. A cultural acknowledgement of the depth and inherence of humankind’s evil nature would pave the way for seeing the need for a salvation coming from outside of self in the work of God through Jesus Christ.
Addressing conflict from the outset then, is not a matter of one eye on dealing with the symptoms of conflict and the other on searching for a solution to the conflict, but more like having proper depth perception which sees the issues on the surface as arising from underlying desires of the heart. It means not only addressing every conflict with corrective measures but finally arriving at the word about Christ, which is able to save our souls. Improving the function of our communal lives ought not to eclipse the necessity of faith in Jesus Christ. The gospel of Jesus Christ has something to say to every conflict in every community. It has the power to put persons right with God and to change the way they live with one another. The gospel can solve what no man can and the gospel reaches with transforming power to change people for eternity. A willingness to hear God’s word with faith will be met by the experience God’s work to recreate communities.
Second, adhering to a speech ethic on digital platforms, in political discourse, and in personal relationships is a great idea based on the Bible’s instructions. The freedom of speech ought not to be misunderstood as the approval of all speech. Saying how one feels should be left behind for saying what is faithful to God’s will. Self-control in speech is a lifelong task, and James even said, “no man can tame the tongue,” but that does not mean it is remain an undone task. Words carry weight just as actions have consequences. Accountability must be maintained for words that are spoken. Rash speaking will never make for good leadership or result in healthful guide for a community. One leads others not only by what they do but what they say and how they say it. We must be vigilant for how we are leading others with our walk of life and with the words of our lips.
At the same time, admonition should be given to guide healthy speech to one another. Presently, our culture would be greatly helped by getting beyond “cancelling” individuals who say what is morally defunct, to working to correct those who do so. This means applying consequence, but also correction and restoration when possible. Without this, one type of cursing speech is replaced for another kind, and the final result of community health is not much better than at the first.
Lastly, these instructions of scripture should lead individuals and communities to take seriously the God-given task to become better hearers first of God’s Word and therefore of one another. This begins with cultivating a humility when comparing one’s own words to God’s own Word. A simple application would be placing a high-priority on reading, hearing, and thinking on God’s Word daily. One should come to the scriptures with a readiness and expectation to grow in faith in Jesus and obedience to his revealed will for our lives. One should seek to resist developing a hard heart to God’s Word lest the work of God upon us be hindered.
The author of Hebrews also encourages Christians to care for each other in just such a way so that we do not become those who refuse to hear God who is speaking (Heb. 3:13-15). It would mean encouraging others to follow the same practice as critical for hearing God Word’s and experiencing God’s work through the gospel upon their lives. No word of God in, no work of God out.
Also, when it comes to giving counsel to others in conflict, a priority should be placed on giving sufficient instruction from the Word of God and being careful to not fill the time exclusively with words of our own advice. One can show others how to be hearers of God’s Word by pointing to and sharing from personal example of doing the same. Then, as the Word of God works in us, we can become better listeners, speakers, and doers of the Word towards others. For example, one is equipped by the Word of God to not assume the worst in someone else’s words, or to respond with a soft word that turns away wrath, (Prov. 15:1), a patience that will honor another by listening well and responding helpfully, rather than answering in an untimely or unhelpful way. Misunderstandings can be resolved, and solutions can worked towards, rather than conflict escalating or problems remaining ignored.
An Example Worth Imitating from the Early Church
The early church modeled this well in Acts 6:1-7 as they listened well to one another and determined how to properly care for widows among them. Rather than schism, it resulted in more servants appointed to the work of the Lord. Take a moment to read through the story and see how the Early Church applied God’s truth to their lives.
Equipped to Live in a World that is Divided
These articles set out to demonstrate how a lack of listening is contributing to communities of conflict in American culture today. The relevance of the issue is evident across communities small and large. James 1:19-21 identifies the ultimate source of conflict as the inherent sinfulness of the human heart, and proclaims the only sufficient remedy as the gospel of Jesus Christ, through which God brings new birth by the Spirit, new belief in Jesus, and a new behavior of peacemaking. Salvation in Jesus leads to the response of a new speech ethic to be lived out in the lives of those who believe in him. May our Lord lead us to first be hearers of God’s word, and in turn better hearers of one another.
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Endnotes: (works referenced in the creation of this material)
