Proverbs 15:31, “Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.”
Are you the smartest person you know? Do you feel like the people in your church don’t know as much about the Bible as you do, even in the leadership? Do you feel like whenever someone tries to teach you its really not needed because you’re fine just the way you are? Have you found it difficult to stay in any one church for a long time because people just can’t “get it together” the way you “have it together?”
Well, if you’ve answered any of those probing questions with a “yes,” then most likely you are unteachable. At the same time, if you’re really unteachable and have a bad case of it, you probably don’t think those questions apply to you because if only you could explain yourself then you’d be justified in not receiving from others, growing consistently in one church, and being humble in what you know.
I used to be unteachable. I actually thought it was my job in Bible College to teach the professors how to do their jobs. Sure, I had only been saved for 18 months and had never been in college before or in ministry, but ofcourse, that didn’t matter- I was “special.”
I sincerely believed that God had gifted me supernaturally to teach those “naïve” professors in theology who had over 25 years of full time ministry experience and had been walking with the Lord for 50 plus years! Long story short, within the first semester I was kicked out because of my pride. And if the Lord hadn’t been merciful to me while I was getting gas to drive home and led me back to repent my life would have been a disaster.
Unteachable people are some of the hardest to deal with in life because their pride is deeply rooted in their false view of themselves. Sometimes what they may be saying is even “right” but because they go about it the wrong way it always brings the wrong results.
No-it-alls will gossip and call it “telling the truth.” They will try to split a small group or church faster than you can say “God have mercy.” And they will do it all in the name of “truth” and “righteousness!” Just like the Jews in Jesus’ day, they will actually think killing Jesus is a good thing!
Remember the ole’ the old saying, “With ‘friends’ like this who needs enemies?” Seriously, if the Devil can divide and tear apart a church because some “unteachable jihadist for truth” can’t humble themselves and follow leadership- who needs any demons- the church will tear itself apart! And “know-it-alls” aren’t just found in church- they can be seen in every company and family!
I love what James said so much concerning this kind of “unteachable pride” that I would like to post the whole passage for us to read. James 3:13-18, “13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”
So what is the solution to being unteachable? Christ like humility that is “first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” Do you struggle with being a know-it-all? Then pray this out loud, “Father, please forgive me for acting in pride and hurting your people. Humble me and give me a teachable peace-loving heart. Send people into my life to help me grow and be taught in true humility. Amen.”
Reflection
Have you ever been unteachable?
Action
- Repent of the times you have been unteachable.
- Be a peacemaker, even if you’re right and people disagee with you. Do all things for the benefit of Christ and His church.
- Open your heart to learn from others because no one knows it all!
