I NOTICED YOU’RE NOT LISTENING
Some people have a great deal to say. Some just seem to enjoy hearing themselves speak, and others who feel the need to be in the limelight. Many speak for their livelihood, it may be their voice but the words are from textbooks. Power is the motive of a few who raise their voice above others in intimidation, but their roar eventually just becomes a noise in the background blending in with the crowd of nature.
The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.
So the babbling continues from many characters of voices, their often dialogue swiftly wasting time of the listener who has become apathetic to any oration which may interrupt their priority. And so one learns to tune out any or every voice, even missing messages from those who also have a great deal to say and who’s words come from inspiration because of a burden, love and passion for souls.
He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
And as time passes and words continually fade away and are forgotten, that voice may become silent to them who have chosen not to hear. That voice of passion and sincerity lives and breathes to produce fruit as God has spoken, and their words are spoken in sincerity and hope with great expectation and faith because of the anointing and giver of inspiration. And that insatiable desire to win souls and touch lives moves them to push forward.
And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
I love to be with people, individuals or crowds, it doesn’t really matter. I love to preach, teach, give technical advice, sell, and I enjoy occasionally typing my thoughts to share with others. But the limelight isn’t my purpose, and popularity isn’t important to me. But yes there is a motive, which is seen on the faces of individuals that I have the pleasure of speaking to on a weekly basis. When I see a smile here and there, a life changed, a sudden burst of laughter, a thank you, the look of understanding at a new lesson learned, and a teary eye of joy because they realize how important they are to you. And the feeling inside when the anointing begins speaking the words of the LORD through you, although the words aren’t in your notes and they weren’t planned, is a joy that I just can’t describe. My joy is helping and making others happy, being a positive influence and difference in their life. But it just doesn’t seem to work with everyone.
Unfortunately after 47 years, I have also learned when to shut up. Some won’t listen from the beginning, and while that’s difficult for me to understand why they don’t want help, a relationship is never developed and little time is invested in them as they quickly walk away. The most difficult and painful for me, are those whom I’ve devoted a great deal of time and prayer. Their disinterest is easily
identified and usually just starts with the occasional lack of interest. They’ll change the subject before the topic is completed; they interrupt you in the middle of a sentence with a remark that has nothing to do with your comment, they’re preoccupied with something they possess or is in the room. I’ve also seen their apathy start with droopy or tired eyes, and other times they don’t look at you at all. Sadly, I’ve seen all of these examples take place even after developing a strong bond.
However, I’m not so fast to give up. I’m one that tries to find a way to bring them back and to peak their interest. More often than not, once these symptoms are openly revealed it’s too late, they no longer hear you. Recently, I witnessed the shock in one’s face as I stopped abruptly and walked away, but that individual hadn’t been listening and wasn’t interested enough to ask me to continue. It was indeed time to; shut up.
My voice has become familiar, my words you find wearisome, and you say you want me near, but for such a long time I have noticed you’re not listening and my time for silence has arrived.
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
Scripture references (all KJV); Eccl 9:17, Mat 13:22, Mat 10:14, Eccl 3:1,7.
Daniel Criss
February 11, 2012
President / Founder
Life Achievement Services, Inc.
