Remaining Teachable

by Tom Gilbert
Published October 23, 2006

Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning. (Proverbs 1: 7 – The Message)

No matter how intelligent we are or how much education we have there is always more to learn. Nobody has all the answers. Only the mind of God can make that claim.

Nevertheless, it is easy to become complacent at different times in our lives. This seems especially true in our various areas of expertise. It doesn’t matter whether you are a lawyer, airline mechanic, plumber, preacher or nuclear physicist. I think it is just human nature at some point to think we have “it down pat” and pretty much know all we need to know.

The Flash of Insight.

Despite this tendency, which I might be over generalizing, there come times when we get a flash of insight and realize our knowledge is finite. From that realization we also recognize how much time it took to learn the things we now take for granted.

Have you ever wondered why there are certain lessons you need to learn over and over? What about the deeper appreciation and understanding that comes from repetition? Could it be that some of the life lessons we repeat teach us on a deeper level than we realize?

Jesus was a teacher and his disciples sometimes addressed him that way. To truly follow Jesus we must be forever willing to learn, to be faithful students to The Way that Christ points us to. We must remain teachable.

How Do You Learn?

What’s the best way to learn something? That’s a subject that is often researched and debated. We learn with all of our senses and different people learn in different ways. However, I am convinced that one of the best ways to learn on a deeper level is by sharing and teaching what has been passed on to us. There is something about helping someone else, “showing them the ropes” as it were, that can give us insight with depth. I believe this is especially true when it comes to spiritual matters.

When you honestly begin seeking answers to spiritual questions it can give you a vastly more profound outlook on life. I found that to be true in my experience. I must admit to various “plateaus” of spiritual growth over the years. I’m guilty at times of thinking I understand God’s messages to me, only to discover that I don’t have it figured out. One of the best lessons I’ve learned is that I don’t have it figured out and I never will! It’s important to keep an open mind.

This doesn’t mean that I haven’t been taught some spiritual truths. When faced with the decision of God is or isn’t I really only have to know two things if I choose to believe God is. First of all, there is a God. Secondly, I’m not it.

The many subtle ways that we play God in our lives are not always evident to ourselves. It’s difficult to not try to be in control of people, places and things. No matter how good our motives we will never be successful if we try to make everyone else do what we want. A great lesson to learn – and relearn – is that we all have a part to play in life and we don’t know what is best for others. Sometimes we think we do, but when it really comes down to it we don’t know what is best. That’s God’s area. What I need to be most concerned with is what God wants for and from me. God knows best. So I should focus on becoming fully what God created me to be. Only then can I be a truly useful channel of God’s love and service to others.

H-O-W

It’s okay not to have all the answers. It’s even better to have questions. Remain teachable. Remember the acronym H-O-W. It stands for honesty, open-mindedness and willingness.

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