Becoming Teachable

Angela Klinske

Older and wiser goes the adage and, hopefully, it’s true. But as the years roll by, do you ever feel as if it's easy to get set in your ways? Whether due to habit, stubbornness or a lack of awareness, we can easily become "wise in our own eyes" (Proverbs 3:7) and to do things based on our own strength and knowledge.

Being set in our ways is dangerous. To start down that path of least resistance—the one where we trudge along in our own strength—can make us tired, burned out and un-teachable.

"It's actually limiting God and not seeing how He uses His other children," says Lisa Barry, a young mom with whom I recently spoke on the subject of being teachable.

She's the first to admit that being teachable is something she’s still learning to do. She describes herself as independent and a skeptic when it comes to accepting someone else's expertise or counsel.

Lisa and her husband, Scott, have four children, two of whom were adopted. One of her adopted children has been diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), a mental health disorder in which a child is unable to form healthy social relationships, particularly with a primary caregiver.

Despite her own diligence, Lisa became aware that traditional parenting techniques were not going to work. She had to seek counsel and learn a new way to parent.

"The Bible has always been my 'how-to' book," she says, but it was a book about RAD that helped her understand what her daughter was going through. Lisa is also learning to trust people—including her own mother, a supportive group of friends, and a therapist—who share their insight and experience.

Today, they see progress as their daughter is learning to bond with the family.

Lisa says she’s learning to be quiet, to be still, to listen, and to trust.

"It’s not relying less on God; it’s allowing the Holy Spirit to help you discern what is (sound) wisdom rather than dismissing all of it . . . otherwise, you’re going to miss a lot of what God’s doing . . . what God is teaching you."

Lisa's story helps me to recognize the many "teachers" God has placed in my life—my husband, my children, my parents and in-laws, as well as colleagues and friends. Even Lisa, whom I’ve spoken with only once, has taught me the importance of being teachable.

I've learned that being teachable isn't always easy, and I don’t always welcome it. Being teachable means setting aside my pride and my own agenda so that I can be open to the things God wants me to learn.

Choosing to be teachable allows us to grow, and it also gives others the opportunity to help us grow. There is always room for improvement.

How about you? Are you ready to grow? If so, you are well on your way to becoming teachable.