Day 4: John Stott – “Double Listening”
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
Introduction
As a gifted preacher and Bible scholar, John Stott influenced countless Christians, including many pastors and theologians. Yet, many don’t know about his influence on the global spread of the gospel. While faithfully preaching and teaching God’s Word, he worked tirelessly for the gospel to reach the world.
Double Listening
Stott was staunch in his support for missions, fully committed to the Great Commission. To be faithful to Jesus’ command to share the gospel, Stott lived by a discipline he called “double listening.” By “listening” to God’s Word, he sought to learn more about God and His ways. Simultaneously, he “listened” to the world, not to conform to it but to understand its current needs and to serve others.
Both are necessary. If we only listen to God’s Word and are deaf to the world, we fail to share Christ’s compassion for those in need. If we only listen to the world, we have no idea how to address its needs as Christ would. Through “double listening,” Stott addressed many contemporary issues such as poverty, injustice, and war. Because he remained rooted in the Bible, he was able to tackle them with wisdom.
Reflection
Like Stott, we also need to turn to Scripture to grow in our understanding of God and His ways. We also need to listen to the world around us and know its contemporary and pressing issues. This doesn’t always have to be global issues. It can even be as small as encouraging a coworker who is struggling. No matter how small (or large) the needs are, as Christians, we must listen. May we humbly listen to God’s Word and compassionately to the world so that God’s love reaches more hearts.