Am I Teachable?

Most people would agree that teachability is an essential quality for the person aspiring to grow in their faith. When looking for someone to disciple, they say to seek after someone who is F.A.T.- Faithful, Available, and Teachable.  All three qualities are essential, but of the three, teachability may be the most important.

In numerous places throughout Scripture an abundant and fruitful life is promised to those who listen to instruction and learn from it.

How blessed is the man who fears always,

But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity. Pr 28:14

Severe warnings come to those who are not teachable.

 Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy. Pr 29:1

So, what about you?  What about me?  Just how teachable am I, really.  It's a question worth asking yourself.  Take some time to consider the following six questions:

1.       Do I regularly go to the Word of God with the expectation of changing my attitudes and actions?

James 1:23-25 puts it this way.

For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.

If we only look to the Word of God for comfort and encouragement we may be missing a great deal.  God's Word also confronts and corrects.  Teachability means we will take these corrections to heart and do something about them.

Josh 1:8 reminds us to meditate on the Word and put what we learn into action

This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.

2.       Am I open and moldable when confronted and corrected or quick to justify and explain away?

Fools do not appreciate it when someone tries to help them.  They try to avoid correction at any cost.

A scoffer does not love one who reproves him, He will not go to the wise. Pr 15:12

When corrected we must control our emotions and listen carefully.  Try not to react.  Ask for clarification, if necessary, but don't try to defend yourself.  That can be done later, if needed.

3.       Have I invited those close to me to speak into my life?

There is tremendous value in a close friend who will speak honesty into our lives.

        

A man of too many friends comes to ruin,

But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Pr 18:24

It's easy to find those who will compliment us; much harder to find those who will honestly point our flaws.

He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor

Than he who flatters with the tongue. Pr 28:23

Be sure and thank your friend for going out on a limb to help you.  It shows how much they do value your friendship.

4.       Do I welcome accountability?

Healthy accountability provides natural opportunities for growth.

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid. Pr 12:1

It's human nature to avoid accountability.  The discipline it provides is so valuable.  Left on our own we will seldom do the hard things it takes to succeed.  We may also wander off course for many miles not knowing we're wasting time and distance.

5.       Am I easily offended?

It's extra hard to accept correction from those who have offended us in some way.

 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city,

 And contentions are like the bars of a citadel. Pr 18:19

When we are easily offended we may mistakenly use this as an excuse not to listen.  But it is no excuse.

6.       Am I open to consider critiques that come from unusual sources?

Do I discount the input of certain people because of personal bias?

Balaam listened to his donkey.  God used the animal to get his attention. Nu 22:22-35

David even listened to his enemies. (2 Sam 16:5-14) In this amazing account, Shimei of the house of Saul followed along beside David cursing and throwing sticks and stones (literally).  While David's men wanted to "go over and cut off his head", David said, "No". "If he curses, and if the LORD has told him, ‘Curse David,’ then who shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’ ”

David was obviously a man of extreme humility and fear of the Lord.  He certainly was "a man after God's own heart", and quite teachable. 

Each of us should give careful attention to this issue of teachability.  The Christian life is not a sprint, but a marathon.  We want to "finish strong".  We must determine we want to be "life-time learners".  We want to be teachable and remain teachable.  What can you do today to give attention to this important character trait?  What has God been saying to you?  Who should you listen to more carefully.  Think especially of those closest to you. What are people telling you that you should change?  When are you going to listen to them? Start right away.