Keep the T-Shirt
Proverbs 1:5
King James Version (KJV)
5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
Marty Williams a Pastor of Family Ministries asks the question that we all must ask ourselves today, “Am I Teachable?” He has 12 thoughts to help us discover if we are teachable:
1.I am willing to listen more than talk.
2. I admit when I am mistaken.
3. I observe before acting on a situation.
4. I am able to agree to disagree.
5. I desire information more than answers.
6. I enjoy asking questions.
7. I am open to suggestions and new ideas.
8. I feel comfortable asking for advice or directions.
9. I am patient and a willing “Student.”
10. I enjoy reading for information that is practical and applicable.
11. I seek out new perspectives on the questions of life.
12. I can appreciate criticism without being deeply wounded.
The proverb says that a wise man will hear, or listen, and continue to learn. Often we get to the point where we figure we have just about learned it all. We’ve been there, done that, and burned the t-shirt so we don’t have to be reminded about it. We want to consider ourselves teachable, but are we really?
Becoming teachable doesn’t have as much to do with our aptitude as it does our attitude. We must be willing and open to listen to the wisdom of others, and most of all to the wisdom that is God’s. If we have an attitude that is closed and hard, then we will never learn.
The capacity, desire, and will to learn is of immeasurable importance for the Christian. In many ways we are like children starting life fresh. Each new experience builds upon the next as we grasp, and as we grow. Just like children, our growth needs to be directed and tended to so that we reach the important milestones at the time we are appointed to do so.
King David wrote:
Lead me in your truth, and teach me: for you are the God of my salvation; on you do I wait all the day. (Psalms 25:5 )
Listening is essential to learning. Doug Larson said “Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you'd have preferred to talk.” If you are always talking, you are not learning. Take time to listen to the wise counsel of those around you, and listen for the still small voice of God’s spirit.
Make your teachable moments count. As you rush through life take a moment to slow down. Look around you, and marvel at the wonderful things that God has created. Ask yourself how things could be different, explore how your actions affect those around you. Ask God to direct you down the right path and He will lead you.
The wise man realizes he doesn’t know it all. Learn something today! Keep the T-shirt to remind yourself of where you have been!
Dear God in heaven, please show me today what I do not know. Open my eyes and my heart and allow me to become more teachable. When I would rather speak, teach me to listen. Amen