Teach-ability: Ears to Hear!

Remember Gamaliel? He suggested to the Sanhedrin that they shouldn’t persecute the followers of Jesus (Acts 5). He spoke truth to them so they wouldn’t find themselves fighting against God as they pridefully protected their religious mindsets. They were absolutely certain they had the whole counsel of God within their select group and they immediately crushed anyone whose opinion slightly differed from theirs.

James 4 says that God opposes those who set themselves above others, but for those who are humble and teachable He pours out great grace – He abundantly opens avenues to benefit us! Those avenues may very well be the counsel and wisdom of people who we consider to be ‘less learned’ than us. In fact, the very things that we pray for over and over, those things that seem to be vicious cycles in our lives, may be happening because we have not been open to receiving advice or teaching that will break the cycle.

Sometimes un-teach-ability can be a wall of protection. In effect, if we want to protect our image or control the outcome of circumstances, we won’t be willing to hear ideas that differ from what we desire. For example, I greatly desired my oldest son to live nearby us when he landed his first job. It seemed right that I should ask others to pray and agree with me… but it wasn’t right. And God had to show me through others that I was praying against His will. He had other plans for my son and I was unknowingly fighting against the blessings that God wanted to bring into my son’s life.

Paul told Timothy to break out of his legalism and receive the freedom and healing of God by drinking a little wine for medicinal purposes (1 Tim 5:23). Timothy was perhaps resistant to receiving any advice contrary to what he believed to be the ‘facts’ of Old Testament law. And when the prophet Elisha told Naaman to wash in the River Jordan, Naaman became angry and refused – he wanted Elisha to wave his hands over him and pronounce him healed. Naaman’s humble servants finally convinced him to take a dip in the Jordan, whereupon he was instantly healed (2 Kings 5).

Teach-ability is rooted in humility and humility is willing to say “I don’t really have it all, and I am willing to be instructed by whomever God sends with His wisdom and understanding.” When we humble ourselves we shut the door on the enemy - he is the father of pride and exalts himself above the knowledge of God.

However, being teachable doesn’t require us to be push-overs. It means we are open to what others say, but at the same time we are not defensive and protective. A teachable person listens and ponders, allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s mind and will. If what’s given as advice through others is meant for us to receive and use, then God will show us. If it’s not for us, then we can put it on the ‘thanks anyway’ pile and move on in love and gentleness.

“Give instruction to a wise man and he will be yet wiser; teach a righteous man (one upright and in right standing with God) and he will increase in learning.” (Prov. 9:9)