18Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.
Our attitude can make or break a situation. We notice this with our children, don’t we! When they have a bad attitude, it really gets under our skin. Sometimes we get more upset over the bad attitude than over the original offense. We need to learn to listen with the right attitude. If we listen with an attitude that says “I deserve” we will surely be projecting the attitude. I have an acquaintance who projects “I am better than you” and “I know better than you.” They are fairly competent at their job. They have learned how to carry themselves in public. But they lack the ability to form a group in ministry unless they are in charge. If they are not in charge they buck against the leadership. What attitude are you projecting when you are in the listening position? Are you open to input from others? Are you willing to take constructive criticism? Are you willing to learn from criticism that isn’t delivered constructively? We can learn even from criticism delivered with an attitude, if we are open and listening. We are responsible for our attitude. How’s your attitude today?
The Arnold Journey 