Good morning, everyone.
Our verse for today comes from Acts 4:7, “They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: ‘By what power or what name did you do this?’”
When I read the account of the religious leaders interrogating Peter and John, I am left wondering what exactly was the tone of the men as they questioned the apostles. You know what I mean, for you have asked this type of question many times, but not always with the same intent or for the same reasons. When you ask one of your children, “What were you thinking when you did such and such?” you are not really in search of their thought process. You are more on the path of highlighting the poor judgment or idiocy that led to their actions. When you ask, “Where did you get the idea that such and such was okay?” you are not interested in the alternative source of authority that they may have chosen, but are on your way to reminding them that you are the one in charge and responsible for granting any permissions that are given. And the point here is that while it appears that the inquisitors of Peter and John are genuinely seeking to learn how the lame man was healed, we can be far less sincere when we ask something of another. And not just of our kids who might be making us old before our time. Too often when we ask “why” of someone, we are more interested in giving our opinion of how it should be done than of understanding the motives of the other person. What we really mean is “Why should I do it that way when my way is better?”
And this form of egocentric behavior comes very naturally. We don’t have to work at it. The books on the shelves and the self-help tips are not instructing us on how to think our ideas are better or how to top another’s story. In that we are experts. No, where we need the help is in listening and empathy. Our shortcomings are in being willing to get to the level of the other person so we can discover what we need to do to make the connection, what we might need to change to improve the relationship. We don’t need any more practice in feeling superior or in minimizing another’s methods or ideas. So next time there is a disconnect or you feel that need to jump in and be heard, try listening with your heart, the one where your Savior sits on the throne.
As we seek Him today, ask why, but do it because you really want to know what’s going on with the other person.
Have a splendid weekend.
#4 Rich Holt
Dad of Ripken, Koy, TrishaJean, Samantha, Kakie Holiday and Raleigh
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.
