Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still;
teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.
Proverbs 9:9
From an early age, I prayed my children would be teachable. Now, whenever they ask my advice (as young adults), I give praise to God for answered prayers!
I’m certainly not suggesting that I have it all figured out or that I should be the authority they seek out. I’m simply saying this: I’m honored when my adult children acknowledge that my years of living on this planet mean I’ve learned a thing or two!
No matter how wise or righteous we are, there never cease to be things we can learn and areas where we can grow. And whenever we learn a truth, we can rest assured that there will be opportunities to apply that truth in new circumstances and situations. Life is a classroom — and a lab!
Perhaps being teachable and willing to learn is what actually makes one wise. The prideful and arrogant either do not seek counsel, do not seek it from wise and righteous mentors, or do not heed the instruction offered.
Our brother James cautions: “Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22
Are you teachable? Are you wise? Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I receive correction and instruction well?
- Do I actively seek out wisdom – from the Word of God, from Godly teachers, and from wise mentors?
- Do I follow through in obedience to heed the advice and counsel received?
Here’s another interesting indicator that you are teachable and growing wiser: you have regrets.
The world might tell us we need not have regrets: I’m okay, you’re okay. Do your own thing.
But as a woman of God, I do have regrets. If I could go back and begin again, there are many decisions and choices in my marriage, my parenting, my relationships, and my ministry that I would do differently.
Several years ago, as I lamented to God about poor choices with my child raising, He kindly spoke to my heart and mind:
Laura, if I would miraculously turn back the hands of time for you, nothing would change because you would not know all you know now. Living brings learning. You did the best you could with what you knew then.
What a comfort that was to me! The Laura of 2021 is wiser and more mature than the 1990s Laura who was raising her children. The regret I experience now is reassurance that I have grown and changed. Having no regrets would be a sign that I learned nothing in the past several decades!
But those regrets need not consume me … and yours need not consume you. All sins of omission and commission are nailed to the Cross and covered by the blood of Christ when we seek His forgiveness.
I am forgiven. And if you know my Jesus, you are, too.
If you do not know Him, I would love to introduce you. If you find yourself looking around at the world and the culture and finding frustration, confusion, and disappointment, maybe it’s time for you to look up — look to Him.
My friend, Jesus loves you. He died for you. You need not carry the weight of regret and past choices. I invite you to come to Him now. Would you pray with me:
Jesus, if you are real — and I hope you are — I’m ready to give my life to You. I am a mess and I’ve made a mess. I can’t clean myself up, but I believe You can. Forgive my many sins, against you and others. Come into my life and change me. I believe You are the Son of God who died to cover my sin. From this day forward, I choose to live for You.
If you prayed that prayer — or if you think you want to, but have questions about what it means — I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to email me!
Laura’s most recent teaching video considers the words Jesus spoke to His disciples in Luke 12:11-12. In these verses, He instructs them not to worry about what to say when brought before authorities, because the Holy Spirit will provide the words they need. Here is that video for those who may not have had an opportunity to watch:
