The Teacher, originally uploaded by Shirley Buxton.
A distinct marker as to how rapidly the new Christian will develop and to what extent he will grow in Christ is revealed in the tenor of his spirit, and when one presents with a teachable attitude, we know we probably have a “winner” on our hands. A willing spirit, a baby-bird-like dependency, an eagerness to learn, a thirst for knowledge stamp the possessor of such traits as having a teachable spirit. Leaders lie in bed yearning for such people.
An example comes to mind, recorded in the book of Acts.
“And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.” 9:6
A few minutes before the time of this scripture, Saul had been full of himself and full of misguided mission, on his way to see the high priest to obtain permission to find any Christians who might be hanging around in his neck of the woods, permission to tie them up and take them to Jerusalem where they would be summarily disciplined. Was he ever in for a surprise. As he neared Damascus, strobe lights suddenly spotlighted him–big strobe lights–big as in Heaven big, coming straight down from the sky. So big and so intense that he fell right down in the road where he traveled. Then to further confuse the man pinpointed there in the road by a gigantic light, a voice boomed, a voice connected with Someone who knew him, for now Saul heard the voice speak his name.
“Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” 9:4
And then Saul, the epitome of the possessor of a teachable spirit, the one who later would write the majority of the New Testament, spoke those immortal words,
“Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”
What an attitude, what remarkable insight, what sterling words Saul spoke, as he lay there on the road to Damascus, blind, and dependent on those terrified men who were with him. He held out his hands, and they led him into Damascus…where God was preparing the education of Saul.
I want such a teachable spirit, an open attitude, desiring always for more of God, for a deeper understanding of His Word and for an in-depth revelation of His ways. Don’t you?
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Yes, Shirley, I do.
Oh, to be sitting in that empty seat!! Wow!!
HELEN, I believe you.
DEAN, I have said before–and with all sincerity–you need to come see us. Believe me, you will have a seat of honor.
I love you and your very sweet wife.
Dean: That chair will be reserved for you this Sunday… Love you man.
Yes, I want that spirit too!
Yes, we all need that teachable spirit. No matter our status in life. No matter where we stand or what we have accomplished. We still need someone over us that we honor, respect and listen to when they speak, to be our teacher. Great article!
Proverbs 19:2 It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.
Proverbs 19:14 Houses and wealth are inherited from parents,
but a prudent wife is from the LORD.
1 corinthians 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.
Hello, everyone–
I think we’re all in agreement that the Word of God encourages us to have a teachable spirit.
Blessings to all of you