Are You Teachable?
Are You Teachable? | September 15, 2023
A 17-year-old boy was gifted tennis lessons for his birthday because he played for his varsity high school team. The training sessions were both a generous and practical gift because the instructor was a retired professional! While watching the new student take several swings at the tennis ball, the seasoned pro offered recommendations on improving his stroke. Each time the renowned tennis pro gave a tip, the junior tennis player interrupted him with his own strategy. After several interruptions, the pro began to nod in agreement with the young player's assessment. When the lesson ended, a nearby woman said to the pro, "Why did you go along with that arrogant kid's stupid suggestions?" The pro calmly smiled and said, "I learned a long time ago that it is a waste of time to try to sell real answers to anyone who just wants to buy echoes."
Like this junior tennis player, we sometimes think we hold all the cards and know all the answers, but that is our pride talking. See, to have a strong relationship with God and the people around us and reach our potential, being teachable needs to be a part of our character. Many great and highly skilled people failed or fell short because they were unwilling to be teachable.
Psalm 86:11 says, "Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart so that I may honor you."
The author of this Psalm cuts to the chase. We need to learn and apply God's ways, which are His commands, standards, and precepts concerning areas such as morality, purity, and integrity. Thus, neglecting the character quality of teachability is the most foolish thing a person can do. Being teachable is wise because this focus will significantly increase competence, confidence, and discernment, ultimately leading to success. More importantly, God will bless you with more opportunities when you listen.
Next, notice that the psalmist had a prayer attached to his desire to be teachable. There needs to be more than the intent to be teachable; you must be proactive, and prayer is that action step. The exactness of that prayer centers on purity, as mentioned in the verse. Finally, let us remember that the goal is to honor the Lord.
Let us be teachable and leave the results to God.
Like this junior tennis player, we sometimes think we hold all the cards and know all the answers, but that is our pride talking. See, to have a strong relationship with God and the people around us and reach our potential, being teachable needs to be a part of our character. Many great and highly skilled people failed or fell short because they were unwilling to be teachable.
Psalm 86:11 says, "Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart so that I may honor you."
The author of this Psalm cuts to the chase. We need to learn and apply God's ways, which are His commands, standards, and precepts concerning areas such as morality, purity, and integrity. Thus, neglecting the character quality of teachability is the most foolish thing a person can do. Being teachable is wise because this focus will significantly increase competence, confidence, and discernment, ultimately leading to success. More importantly, God will bless you with more opportunities when you listen.
Next, notice that the psalmist had a prayer attached to his desire to be teachable. There needs to be more than the intent to be teachable; you must be proactive, and prayer is that action step. The exactness of that prayer centers on purity, as mentioned in the verse. Finally, let us remember that the goal is to honor the Lord.
Let us be teachable and leave the results to God.
Watch this previously recorded message on humility from Pastor Ray
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