Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Wednesday September 22, 2010

In my days of youth several mentors encouraged me to study those laboring in my calling who were successful. The term "successful" was rather broad and I am thankful for this "broadness" from my mentors.

The roadside is littered with wrecks who labored in the calling of Christ who became men and a few woman with only one emphasis in their life. Men who were touted to high heaven for being super duper adept at one or another area of Christian service were and are held up for all the world to gaze upon. Time has revealed the foolishness of this approach as scandal after scandal testifies. No names here, but I'll bet that several have popped into your mind and perhaps a few in your heart and a tear was kept in check, though with much effort. If you are wondering what is good advice I would have to offer one word. Balance.

I hate to admit that I have learned much by following the advice of a man who is less than balanced, he makes no pretense at religion and always puts those who do into a corner and only a few religious leaders have had what Sarah Palin substituted for male courage to give him a biblical answer.

I speak of Larry King. Not a model for marriage though he is probably expert on weddings and divorce.

Larry said something that captures a grand idea that I followed somewhat over long years:

"I remind myself every morning: Nothing I say this day will teach me anything. So if I'm going to learn, I must do it by listening."

Mr. King spoke one time on just how he was learning to identify that which is worth listening to early in a conversation or in reality a "listensation." My word. This skill may be the most informative of all skills.

While I would never lend Mike Tyson an ear, I do lend my ear and my full concentration to those whom I have reason to believe will say something worthwhile. I know I will learn more from listening to a strong vibrant Christian than I will from spouting off on how I became great. Jesus said His sheep recognize His voice, and that my friend requires being in the listening mode. An old song has it, "I'll be somewhere listening." Today, I will listen.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2010 Use with credit.

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