Listening Is Leverage

Today, I strolled into a 3:00 PM meeting I was excited to attend.  A friend and I needed to connect.  I had looked forward to this meeting because it mattered.  JOHN* who is difficult to figure out spiritually, was coming to my office to have a chat about some God stuff.  Last week, knowing that he is highly cynical of Christians and a skeptic of all scripture’s value, I told him of the Jesus Loves You book.  He was being kind and said, “I would love to see it.”  I thought it was a passing gesture, but he followed up saying, “Next time we meet, don’t forget my book.” 

 Before we parted that lunch a week ago, I asked a pointed question that I wanted answered.  “Do you consider yourself an atheist or an agnostic?”  He said, “I don’t know.”  Later he followed up with an email that said he could not say for sure, but despite his doubts of God, JOHN still felt spiritual.

Cynical…check.

Skeptical…check.

But spiritual?  I was confused. 

Before JOHN arrived at today’s meeting he forewarned me that he had finished the book and had made “copious notes.”  It had left him with many questions.  He wondered if I would be willing to talk through a few of them.   Of course I would.

We sat down and I saw his book was a week old and worn.  He had poured over it.  Immediately we dove in.  I wish I could tell you all answers were settled.  They weren’t.  The story continues to unfold.  I walked away having heard him express his doubts, his fears, his concerns and his disbelief.  My insecurities wanted to argue and “be right.”  My compassion wanted to hear what JOHN was saying.  My logic listened.

This entry doesn’t have enough space to chronicle the conversation nor would I and possibly violate the privacy.  But I learned today.

Cynicism is caused by disillusionment.  

Skepticism is caused by someone projecting arrogance and ego in explanation. 

Today, listening was leverage. 

I am so thankful that Jesus loves the skeptic. 

Much love.

Jason

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