What does it mean to be teachable? Miriam-Webster defines it this way: “capable of being taught, apt and willing to learn.”[1] In this age of technology, many older people have adapted and learned to use cell phones and computers while others refuse to even try. We can easily understand the concept of being teachable as it applies to technology. When it comes to spiritual things, we also have a choice to be teachable or not.
I have a couple friends who went down the wrong path in life for years and finally came to the end of themselves. They had to come to the end of themselves before they would turn to God and become teachable. It was only then that they asked God for help and it changed their lives.
Jeremiah, the prophet, wrote a letter to the exiles in Babylon explaining the cause of their exile. They would not listen to the prophets the Lord sent. Jeremiah 29: 19 For they (the people left in Jerusalem) refuse to listen to me, though I have spoken to them repeatedly through the prophets I sent. And you who are in exile have not listened either,” says the Lord.[2] When God speaks of listening, He doesn’t just mean to hear. He means that we listen with the intent of obeying.
God often lets our bad behavior catch up with us so that we are willing to call out to Him. This is an act of His mercy because at this point we become teachable. In God’s mercy the exiles were taken to Babylon where God would refine them like gold in a furnace. In both the Old and New Testaments, we find numerous references to the refining of gold and silver as a parallel of God’s refining us through painful trials. These stories of refinement help us understand the purpose beyond our pain. Our refining is to conform us to the character of Christ. Clearly, we don’t develop Christlike character all at once. Character is forged over time, especially through fiery trials. Indeed, God is our Refiner. Psalm 66:10 “You have tested us, O God; you have purified us like silver.” [3]
How about you? Would you describe yourself as teachable when it comes to spiritual things? If you are, praise the Lord! If you aren’t teachable, will the Lord help you become teachable? Yes. The first step is recognizing the struggle. The next step is praying and asking the Lord to help you to overcome this obstacle in your life. The final step is making changes in your life with the Lord’s help. The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:13, “ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”[4]
Take the Lord’s hand as He teaches you new ways that will change your life. To hear more about hope for refugees, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/hope-for-refuges
[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/teachable, accessed July 1, 2020.
[2,3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
[4] The New King James Version. (1982). (Php 4:13). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.