ATTENTIVENESS vs. Unconcern

Definition: Showing the worth of a person by giving full concentration to his or her words.

Object lesson from nature: The white tailed deer.

In God’s creation, attentiveness literally is a life and death matter. Predators are always on the look out for the next meal…and a few seconds can mean the difference in survival. God created the white-tailed deer with large ears to collect even the smallest of twig snaps that could signal the presence of an enemy.

Being attentive through eye contact, appropriate body language (no yawning, coughing or looking at your watch) and taking notes when appropriate are demonstrations that we value the speaker. We should pay attention to people because what they say or do may have long-term consequences for us and because God may be speaking to you through their words and insights.

Application: Here are five practical ways to demonstrate attentiveness:

·        I will look at people when they speak to me.

·        I will ask questions if I don’t understand.

·        I will sit or stand up straight.

·        I will not draw attention to myself.

·        I will keep my eyes, ears, hands, feet and mouth from distractions.

This material is gathered from the Character First Education series, Volume 1.  It can be purchased at the Character First!® website.