5 Tips on Having a Teachable Spirit (Christian)

This post is about how to have a teachable spirit as a Christian. It is based on the current season in my life.

I am someone who is very hardworking and ambitious. If I need to know something, I have a DIY (Do It Yourself) approach. I google, research, and move from there. This can be a good thing…

However, I have found that I sometimes suffer burnout or frustration because I neither delegate work nor ask for help.

Over the past few months, I have been navigating new professional terrain. Initially, I tried to do everything independently; then, the Lord started ministering to me about the importance of having a teachable spirit.

God essentially ministered to me that if I adopt this teachable mindset, I can not only sharpen my skills but cover more ground and become able to execute my tasks faster.

So that’s what I have been learning: surrendering and assuming a teachable posture.

The following sums up what God has been telling me:

5 tips that show you how tO HAVE A teachable SPIRIT:

1. Relying on the ministry of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is our Helper. In scripture, we are told that He shall teach us all things.

I have tried to remain still these past few months as I try to become receptive to receive from the Holy Spirit.

John 14: 26

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

2. Looking to scripture + Being ready and diligent to receive

I have learned these past months the importance of receiving the word of God with readiness, just as the Bereans did. Not only that, but also being diligent in looking and reflecting on the scriptures.

This has played an essential role in my development of a teachable spirit. It’s not enough to hear a message but to do a deep dive to understand the message and context truly. Then perhaps follow up with people who are SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) if I need clarification.

Acts 17:10-11

These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.

3. Individual and Group Mentorship

Proverbs 27:17

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another

This has been a big thing God has been speaking to me about. The importance of partnering with people and, in turn, “sharpening” each other’s gifts and strengths.

In the bible, I particularly like the story about Bezalel and Aholiab. Bezalel was the chief artisan of the Tabernacle, and he was responsible for building the ark of the covenant.

However, it is essential to know that God also appointed Oholiab/Aholiab to assist him! And of course, both of them had a great team of people who worked together to complete the project.

Exodus 31:1-6

Then the Lord said to Moses, ² “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, ³ and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— ⁴ to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, ⁵ to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. ⁶ Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you:

This warms my heart soooo much because, over the past week, I have been blessed to not only meet my Oholiab/Aholiab, but I have also met so many like-minded people, and we belong in the same professional space. So we often share encouragement and advice amongst each other.

Bottom line, individual and group mentorship is essential to have a teachable spirit.

Mentorship and communion can be in a small group in church, women’s ministry, or even a professional group! We can all be teachable and learn from each other!

4. Imitate Christ’s Humility

Sometimes people have false humility where they pretend that they are teachable and they genuinely aren’t.

I have to confess that I have been in this situation before. The teacher explains something, and I think, “Uh, I already know this.”

Then…I pretend that I am being teachable and listening, but the teachers’ words are coming in one ear and out the other, in all honesty.

To truly become teachable, we need to desire to learn and receive from the other party genuinely.

So here is a bible verse that reinforces my train of thought:

Philippians 2: 1-4

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ² then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in Spirit and of one mind. ³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, ⁴ not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Wow, that bolded text sent chills down my spine! To imitate Christ’s humility and become teachable, we have to look at the interests of others! We can’t use anyone for their knowledge or help then disregard them. We have to value others to be teachable.

I totally resonated with that one.

The word of God = Perfection!

5. Confessions & repentance

Taking discipline and correction in stride. I loved the way David always took correction. He was quick to reflect and repent once he was told that he was in the wrong.

This is the same way that I have been lately. If God corrects me about a particular instruction that I didn’t execute the way he wanted, I quickly repent and get back on track.

How to HAVE A teachable SPIRIT: Key Takeaway

If you are reading this line, give yourself a pat on your back!!! You are super awesome for reading this entire post, and I appreciate you! ❤️

In closing, we can all agree that being teachable isn’t easy. Sometimes we want to take the lead and always control the narrative. I believe that’s why my first point: the ministry of the Holy Spirit is super, super important!

Why? Because the Holy Spirit will give you a gentle reminder to remain teachable. If you are receptive, you should be able to follow the next steps (2-5) provided above and continue to work on being teachable.

I am still in the middle of my current teachable season (Jesus, take the wheel!!), and I can’t wait to see the fruits of being in this Spirit and mindset.

Hugs!