The discipline of being teachable? This is the fact that we can still learn something no matter how much we think we already know. That there are always people further along in their Christian journey than we are and that we have much to learn from them and God's Word. Something to remember is Jesus is always looking for teachable disciples.
Being teachable is a way of being humble....in my opinion. Someone told me years ago...."my wife taught Sunday school for years, so there's not much more I can learn". This man was older and felt he knew all he needed to from God as his wife had died and he was old too, but this isn't how we should ever think. When we humble ourselves and realize we don't know all we could know about God, we are open to listening and learning. Being teachable is being a lifelong learner who yields to the Holy Spirit and learns from God no matter the teacher or experience.
When I first started the job I have now, I knew nothing about patient care or healthcare in general. All I knew is I wanted to help people. The people who trained me were awesome in that they had so much patience with me and gave me lots of grace to learn. It took time and I know it wasn't easy to do for them, but I learned from them tremendously....and still continue to do so. If I would have went into that unknown job with an attitude that I knew everything and was not teachable in things I didn't know, I wouldn't have that kind of job anymore. Arrogance has no place with humility. The same is true with God. We have to be teachable with His ways also, and seeking out others who know more than us is key. I have a few mature Christians I ask questions to and want to learn from. I have found a few I trust in how they talk and teach me about God. Being in their presence and listening to them is fun for me. I have learned a lot over the years from them.
However, we are told all over the Bible to be careful of false doctrine, to open our ears to hear the truth. When we hear and learn, we need to check it to the Bible to make sure what we hear are legit things from His Word. Being able to spot false teaching is only possible when we know what the truth is. Spending time in the Word is key to all.
In closing.....be humble, be faithful, be teachable.
Further verses to help....
Matthew 22:29 - Know the Scriptures
John 5:39 - Studying alone does not give eternal life; (A heart change for Jesus does that)
Mark 4:22-24 - Be careful what you follow; We must hear right teachings.
Being teachable is not only something that people who think they know it all or even know a lot should learn. Also people that are sometimes embarrassed because they don't know as much as they think they should, should also learn. That is me at times. Sometimes I let my pride get in the way of asking questions, because I am embarrassed that I don't know as much as should. Being teachable also means that we should ask questions when we have them or read to find answers. For any of us to leave questions unresolved because we are embarrassed is not being teachable. That is shame, especially when it comes to our learning about God.
ReplyDeleteThere are some parts of the bible that I really like. Mostly the new testament and I read them more than I do the old testament. I have found even though I have read certain books of the bible that when I read them again I pick up on things I missed. ( yes me getting old has something to do with that ). My point being; even though I have learned a lot, I still find I have not learned as much I should.
I do agree that we should check things through our own reading of the bible to ensure we are getting right doctrine. Even when we do not like some of what the bible says because it not the easy way.
I agree with you in that we can all learn to be better learners. I didn't think about NOT asking questions as I see how that can be a form of pride and not being teachable. Good point. I agree that the New Testament is easier to read....at least for me, but you know what? Some time ago I read the account of Jacob's sons and how he had 12 of them....then later they all became the 12 tribes of Israel. This had me so excited as God helped me put these things together!This passage and events are something most have known for a long time, I'm sure, but for me to add it all up was a big step for me. And I feel reading over things a few times helps it sink in better. You are right about that.
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