Are You Teachable?
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Recently, Relevant Magazine asked 10 successful innovators “What do you wish you knew when you were 27?” This online magazine seeks to speak into the lives of Christian twenty- and thirtysomethings who want to change the world. The question is will twenty year olds slow down and listen to wise advice.
I must admit that at twenty I was not very teachable. I pushed forward full-throttle and poured my life into ministry until I almost burned out on life. I didn’t understand the importance of self-care or Sabbath.
In Exodus 18, we see a weary Moses who is trying to lead the people of Israel like the Lone Ranger. Thankfully, he was more teachable than me. Jethro, his father in law, advises him to stand before God for His people, but to also disciple other leaders who can help carry the weight of responsibility. Letting go of some tasks would extend Moses’ ministry and make him a more effective leader.
A wise disciple cultivates relationships with godly examples who can look inside, see what areas need pruning, and speak the Truth that leads to greater growth. Do you have a Jethro that you rub shoulders with and listen to regularly?
Likewise, if you pushed past twenty-seven quite a while ago, then consider making an investment by sharing hard-earned life lessons with a younger brother or sister in Christ. Pray that God will point you toward someone that you can pour into on a consistent basis.
Our upside-down world wants us to believe that success means working overtime to be number one and walking over each other to climb the never-ending ladder to popularity and profit. This consume or be consumed mentality leads to destruction. Like Moses, we must listen and learn to delegate so that we do not take on too many responsibilities that are beyond our own limited strength.
The Word tells us that “the lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of wisdom.” (Proverbs 10:21) May God help us to be teachable and listen to life-giving advice that equips us to advance His kingdom purposes.
Let’s Talk: Are you investing in godly relationships that will help you grow in your walk?
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For Further Contemplation:
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“Are You Teachable?” was originally published at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale’s Daily Devo.
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Thanks for this lovely post. I’ve learned being teachable isn’t just something for my 20s but 30s, 40s, and probably for the rest of my life.
This time last year, community was the number one topic of discussion between my spiritual director (SD) and me. I so wanted community to develop at my parish for me and, more so, for the many who were desperately trying to navigate life alone. Many seemed to be drowning and few noticed.
One day, my SD asked me where I experience joy, welcoming, and family. He knows that’s a difficult question for me to answer because I’ve been an orphan since I was a young child. We both knew the answer and he helped me plan and prepare a move from TX to MD so I could be with friends who have always loved me as if I am a member of their family. It was a teachable season and I’m still learning to be part of family.
Our hearts and souls must always remain open for the Holy Spirit to teach us lessons we need to learn for the first time or over and over again. Then comes the joy of passing them on, of being the instrument the Holy Spirit uses to teach others.
Thanks for this honest post. God has been dealing with me on this topic. I disciple others, but I haven’t found someone to disciple me. I long for someone to “look inside and see what needs pruning.” I was already thinking that maybe I haven’t been as teachable as I should. I’m praying that God will break down even more of my pride…which seems to be a life-long prayer for me! Your post comes at just the right time.
BTW, I found you on Faith-Filled Friday.
Love these words and your graphic, Lyli. Beautiful photo. It’s so important that we have these prayer and accountability relationships to help us stay on the right track. I so easily lie to myself but when I have people around me who can see through that, it’s much harder to get away with it! 🙂 And for that, I am grateful!
Oh boy, I am much more teachable now than I ever was in my 20’s! Back then I already thought I knew it all, lol. If only I could have given myself a good piece of advice from the future me 🙂
Your post makes me realize how I get so much from reading posts by Godly women, this is one way I am teachable! But I surely need more mentors, people to turn to who are good examples of living Godly lives! Thanks so much for this–it’s food for thought for me!
Visiting from nextdoor at #playdateswithGod
at any age (way way past twenty) i hope and plan to be teachable. the more I know God, the more teachable I need to be.
our church just began a mentoring “program” – very fun cups and cakes – we brought mugs and ate cupcakes and heard from women who mentor and were mentored – then all tables had a different topic and mentor and we connected – delightful evening – one of three for this year and then we’ll see about more. blessings from cloudy calif this morning!
I am learning more and more how important having godly friendships are. They keep us steady and keep our eyes on the One, but they also gives us a chance to grow our faith by being a friend who holds them accoutable too. Thank you for this post!
Great post. In my 40’s I feel I am much more teachable, then in my 20’s. It took some humbling though. To truly listen to what God was saying in His Word and learning to obey it. I’m still on that road! : )
Love your photo, Lyli!I think in my 20s I was so busy trying to figure out who I was that I wasn’t very good or wise at looking outside of myself for mentoring. However, I have always loved being around people my grandparents age – and I think that during that time I continued fostering those relationships so that when I was in my 30s, I was blessed to be surrounded by mentors – and when I realized I didn’t have the answers – I was surrounded by people who did:)
I like to think I am teachable, Miss Lyli, but I know there are many days when pride pushes its bold self right up there in the middle of my party and keep me from seeing some things as they should be seen. I think that seeking those who are Christ-seeking solid heart people are a must in our lives, and I have found that sometimes there are only a precious few that are walking that road with you. It makes it precious when you find that.
Blessings,
Dawn
JUST yesterday I was teaching Exodus 18 to my kids, and we had a great conversation about Moses LISTENING to Jethro, and how leaders are people who listen to the wise, & especially to the Word. Great post, making me think about how teachable I am. Thank you! #livefree