Attentiveness

Mary & Martha

Attentive Women

Quick Overview

Jesus had two friends named Mary and Martha who were sisters. One day, as He traveled, Jesus stopped at Martha's home to visit. Mary was also there. The two sisters were happy to see Jesus. Martha went right to work fixing food and cleaning. She wanted everything perfect for Jesus! While Martha worked, Mary sat at Jesus' feet, listening to Him. His words were like cool, pure water to Mary. And she gladly drank them in, not wanting to miss a single thing He said. When Martha noticed how Mary was sitting with Jesus, instead of helping, she became angry. "Lord," exclaimed Martha, "see how Mary just sits while I do all the work. You should tell her to help me!""Martha, Martha," said Jesus calmly, "you are bothered by so many little things. Do you know what is really necessary?" Martha looked at Jesus with a puzzled face. "Mary made the right choice," said Jesus. "And it won't be taken from her."

Attentiveness will recognize the value of other people by giving them listening ears, respect, courtesy, and total concentration. This means paying attention to others, not just listening to our own needs and desires, and also giving genuine contemplation to God's Word and His call to respond to others.

Read the following verses then answer the questions below

2 Chronicles 6:40, Psalm 34:15, Psalm 130:2 Jeremiah 8:6, 1 Peter 3:12.

Question One. How would you define Attentiveness?

Question Two. How do I exhibit Attentiveness to others in my daily life?

Question Three. What can I do to develop an attitude of, and a willingness to be Attentive?

Question Four. What blocks my being Attentive to others?

Question Five. How can I make Attentiveness function better, stronger, and faster, even in times of uncertainty, stress, and, most importantly, time constraints?

Question Six. Do you strive to be Attentive to others as a reflection of who you are in Christ, and what He did for you?

Question Seven. How does gossip counteract Attentiveness? Why is Attentiveness something that does not happen as much as it should?

Question Eight. What happens to our relationship with God, and with others, when we become pursuers of only our needs and time, rather than being Attentive?

Question Nine. When have you most been Attentive to others?

Question Ten. In what situation did you fail to be Attentive when you should have been?

Question Eleven. What issue is in your life that would improve by your being more Attentive?

Question Twelve. Think through the steps you need to take to put Attentiveness into action in a specific instance. Such as, how can you improve your listening skills? How can you make yourself available to others so your needs and desires do not supersede all of the time?

How to Demonstrate Attentiveness

·To God·

Spend time with the Lord first thing in the morning

Listen to the Word of God

Remove thoughts that distract from God

Use fasting to concentrate on the Lord

·To Parents·

Honor the presence of your parents

Look at the faces of your parents

Look into the eyes of your parents

Remember the words of your parents

Let them know where you are at all times

·In Church·

Sit up and lean slightly forward

Look at the speaker

Don't watch your watch

Take notes on what you hear

Stifle yawns, coughs, and sneezes

Dress up for church

Sit as close to the front as possible

·To your Civil Authorities·

Pray for your civil authorities

Learn how God uses civil authorities

Know and honor the law in your community

·To your Employers·

Learn the priorities of your employer

Protect the name of your employer

Deflect praise to your employer

Demonstrate attentiveness to detail

Have the attitude of a servant - become excited about making him successful

Let this be your prayer,

Dear God, The Bible tells me that your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Without it I would walk in darkness and be led astray. I want to give attention to Your Word but follow its instruction so that we will not drift from the truth. I pray that you will help me be attentive to you today.

In Jesus name AMEN