Teachable Hearts

Benjamin Franklin reminds us, "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." To be teachable is one of the greatest traits of a man or woman of God. Without a teachable spirit, one's mind, will, and emotions can run roughshod over one's life. With a teachable spirit, one's talents can be put to use, mind renewed, and wisdom increased. What we learn and how we learn is dependent upon the 'teachability' of our mind, will, and emotions - for without the soul's involvement in learning what the spirit needs to grasp, we often miss the greatest of lessons.

Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. (Psalm 25:4-6 NLT)

God teaches us life lessons each day, but we have to be open to 'catching hold' of those lessons, don't we? The more we press into learning at his feet, the more we will be open to 'learning on the fly' as life lessons aren't always taught in our 'quiet time' with Jesus, are they? Some of them come as we are just going about everyday life and encounter a piece of insight we didn't quite possess fully until that moment when light begins to dawn within us. In those 'teachable moments', God is at work on a much deeper level than we might first appreciate. Life's lessons aren't just taught - they are frequently 'caught'.

What do I mean by that? We aren't always 'on the lookout' for God to teach us something we needed at this particular moment, are we? Sometimes God brings the greatest truths when and where we least expect them. We have to remain open to receiving those lessons, though. If our minds are shut, emotions all wrapped up in wads, and our will is on autopilot, we aren't going to 'get' the lessons as easily. We must create an atmosphere within that invites learning. Maybe this is one of the benefits of praise and worship. The more we 'stay in tune' with Jesus by engaging ourselves in active worship, the more we will be open to receiving those 'life lessons' that are 'caught' in the moment.

Spiritual teachability isn't easy for those who are so filled with their own sense of 'self-worth' that they cannot look beyond what they can 'figure out' with their minds. One must lay down their pride in order to be open to the lessons God wants most for their lives. When we can admit we need his help or perspective in a situation, acknowledging that all our own efforts are really not cutting it, we are beginning to realize the potential in being truly 'teachable' in his presence. Just sayin!