Hunger Mountain Christian Assembly

The Seven Pillars of Character - No. 5 Attentiveness

Proverbs 8:32 (AMP)

Now therefore listen to me, O you sons; for blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are those who keep my ways.

Introduction: I have been speaking to you about the subject of "character" for quite some time now. I have taken this series from the book "The Elephant in the Room" by Robb Thompson. My messages recently have been on the "Seven Pillars of Character." Pillar No.1 is "Self Control," No.2 is "Respect," No.3 is "Honesty," and No. 4 is "Compassion." I continue today with Pillar No.5 "Attentiveness," which is not a Biblical word, yet the word that is most often used in relation to "attentiveness" is "listen" which is throughout Scripture. So, if you will be attentive and listen this morning, I will bring you my message "Pillar No.5 Attentiveness."  

What does attentiveness mean?
 1. Robb Thompson says that "attentiveness means showing the worth of a person, an object, or an idea by giving it one's undivided concentration."
 2. Dictionary: Paying particular attention to something. The trait of being considerate and thoughtful of others. The trait of being observant and paying attention: heed, pay attention, regard.
 3. Listen means "Pay close attention to; give heed to.

Thompson says this: "The character trait of attentiveness determines the outcome in many situations in life. It's the details (the small particulars of life to which most people pay no attention) that cause us either to win or to lose, in our pursuit of significant, productive lives. This truth cannot be overlooked: The game of life is won or lost in the attention to detail."

Details matter to:
 1. God. (Ask Moses)
 2. The people we work for. (Ask your employer)
 3. Husbands and wives. (Ask your spouse)
 4. Parents. (Ask Mom & Dad)
 5. Children. (Ask your children)
 6. Friends. (Do you have one?)
 7. Pastor. (Ask me)

Thompson says this:  "Attentiveness that is only half-heartedly given is negligence and disrespect. We will never receive a promotion through the avenue of a contrary, stubborn, or rebellious life. We will never be chosen for our passive resistance. We will never obtain the prize by countering our authority's instruction with a defiant, 'But this is what I want to do.'"

Attentiveness and/ or listening requires consideration of others. How can we become more considerate?
 1. When someone addresses us, we must not allow ourselves to be pre-occupied.
 2. We can't allow our relationships to remain meaningless and superficial.
 3. If someone in authority is giving us instruction, we don't want to be casual about it.
 4. People today are pre-occupied and self-absorbed. They are not listening. They don't ask questions or clarify instruction.
 5. Attentiveness is a daily habit that causes us to focus on that which truly matters to others.

Seven ways to be more attentive:
 1. Don't just hear- listen.
 2. Write it down.
 3. Interpret back to him.
 4. Ask him to prioritize his instructions.
 5. Act quickly.
 6. Report back.
 7. Never complain. (No whining zone)
 

Conclusion: Attentiveness is one of the most important attributes that we can possess. It can keep us out of trouble, make us brownie points with our spouse, parents, or children, and get us promoted in the workplace. But most of all, it will cause us to have great favor with God, Who is a stickler on details. God demands our undivided attention. He requires that we heed His voice and obey His commands. He will not let our inattention to detail, no matter how small, go unnoticed or even punished. It keeps us form being promoted at work and from promotion in the Church. Attentiveness requires that we listen rather than just hear. It takes focus on someone or something other than ourselves. So, how attentive are you? God is bringing our in-attentiveness to our attention and it would behoove us to take heed.

Close: Proverbs 19:20 (TEV)
20 If you listen to advice and are willing to learn, one day you will be wise.