“So Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything that he had said. Moses chose able men out of all Israel and made them heads over the people, leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. Then they judged the people at all times; they would bring the difficult matter to Moses, but they would judge every minor matter themselves.” Exodus 18:24-26

When Moses received advice from his father-in-law, his first response was to listen. This part of the story is simple but also abnormal; it’s not the way we typically respond. When we receive advice, it is easy to get defensive or dismissive. But getting defensive and dismissive prevents us from the first step of discernment: listening.

Too often, we miss out on hearing something that could be genuinely helpful. James 1:19 says “You know this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Now everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” When Moses took the time to listen to his father-in-law instead of insisting on his own way, he experienced the benefit of a lightened load and a new community of help. In turn, the people were also blessed. We all have similar opportunities in life. Listening is a discipline that does not come naturally, but there so many things we can learn and much pain we can avoid when we listen.

• What was some of the best advice you listened to and followed? How did this contradict your own initial ideas?
• What was a time listening felt unnatural to you? What makes it challenging to take this step?
• Pray and ask God to grow your willingness to listen to Him and other wise counsel around you.