The Importance of Communication

In 1967, the movie Cool Hand Luke was released starring Paul Newman. One of the most famous quotes from a movie was spoken in that film by the captain of the guard to Luke (Paul Newman's character).

"What we have here is a failure to communicate!"

In real life that line could honestly be spoken in marriages, businesses, churches, government, and anywhere else that people gather to accomplish a common purpose. Words spoken in those settings include such phrases as . . .

"I thought you were ordering the food."

"We started at 1:00 not at 3:00. Didn't you read the memo?"

"I told you that yesterday, don't you remember?"

"Why is no one here for this major event?" "No one announced it and it wasn't in the bulletin."

"How was I supposed to know it was your birthday? You were supposed to remind me!"

"I told you to wake me up at 8:00." "Well, I didn't hear you."

"The bid is due by Noon today." "I thought you said it was next week."

The examples are endless of failed communication. As a result, missed opportunities, failures, anger, disappointments, and broken relationships become commonplace. I have noticed that miscommunication must be frequent in the medical arena. I base that on the fact that I have received a text, an email, and a phone call all to remind me of an upcoming doctor's appointment. Even the lady that cuts my hair sends me a text the day before an appointment as a reminder. Obviously, these two examples are of good communication.

Jesus was faced with the same kind of people that we are today. Matthew records three occasions and Revelation records seven times when Jesus used this phrase . . .

"He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

Do you have ears? The purpose of your ears is to hear what is being said. Sometimes we stop paying attention to what is being said. Other times we become distracted and miss what was said. A speaker has not communicated if the listeners either failed to listen or did not understand what the speaker was saying. Communication requires both the listener and the speaker to be in sync with one another.

• As a listener, look at the one speaking. Stay focused on what is being said. Take notes to have a better recall of what was said. If the setting allows, ask questions for clarification.

• As a speaker, know your listeners. Use vocabulary that is common to both of you or define the new or complex words that could be misunderstood. Look at the listener and notice body language that indicates they are with you and tracking your words. In a conversation, become a listener as well as a speaker to reach a common point of understanding.

This is of greatest importance as we read the Bible, listen to sermons, and participate in Bible studies. God is conveying His truth and self-revelation through the words contained in the Bible. As you read Jesus' words to "love your neighbor" and "love God with all of your being," are you ears hearing what He wants you to do?

Communication is vital for success in marriage, business, government, church, and in hearing God's guidance and instructions for the living of our lives. This week, concentrate on being a good communicator by the way you listen and in the clarity of your speech.