Talking and Listening to God
When we use the silent treatment in a relationship typically it’s a manipulative technique that’s abusive and counter-productive. But that’s not to say that using silence even in discipline can’t be effective. God uses silence as discipline (Amos 8:11-12). Employing silence can work for a leader in group situations. I’ve coached youth basketball for many years. There have been times when our team has walked into the locker room at halftime every player jabbering away, often pooling ignorance. They have their opinions about what’s worked and what hasn’t. When they sit and should be listening, they’re often still talking even when I start to give my input. The room is filled with voices. Some needing to be silenced. One needing to be heard. With everyone talking no one is really listening. At this point I could and often have screamed to get their attention. It’s worked. But often a better way is to simply stop talking, arms folded with a bit of a glare.