Be blessed with another guest BLOG from our dear friend, Diane Heng.
P2092 Remain teachable.
Teachability is not just agreeing what whatever is said, it is taking the time to find out how it will work in your own life and then … doing it. Saying that another way – teachability is about growth. Not just in knowledge, but in outwardly visible changed attitudes and actions. That means that the people who really know us can see that we are different, especially those who are close to us. Plus our love for Him overflows toward others. We are not meant to be a people who are ‘all talk and no action.’ Action is our middle name!
A teachable person is humble. They don’t assume they know everything, instead they remain open to change – even if they already know about what is being said – their cry is always “more Lord, deeper still – change my heart even more.” They don’t see saying “Amen” as saying: “I already knew that, I agree with you.” They see it as saying: “Lord, I need that. Do that in me. Open my heart to new possibilities. I need MORE of You.” They understand that repentance means making room in their hearts for more of His love to transform them.
Week by week this type of believer goes to church hoping with all their hearts to learn more about Him. Their hearts are open because they want to know how to please HIM. When the pastor says: “do this and don’t that,” their immediate response is: “Oh Lord! I haven’t done this and I didn’t do that, please forgive me!” They are incredibly humble and don’t mind being overlooked.
Their response to conviction is not presumption – it’s a deep appreciation and repentance. Yes Jesus paid for it all, but the freedom He died to give us, is the free choice we now have to serve Him. To love Him with all our hearts. These people’s lives are lived laid down, they want to live according to His purposes.When things get tough they know that God is strengthening them, hardening them to difficulties.
If they see that their neighbour has a need, they are there helping, with no agenda … because love doesn’t need an agenda! They wouldn’t dream of cheating anyone, at the shops, or on their income tax. They can’t see loop-holes, because their eyes are so full of love for others and the Lord Jesus! These people are the redeemed of the Lord. They weren’t just redeemed once, long ago. His people are sincere to the core today. So if someone comes into their house, they will see exactly the same person who sings happily in church Sunday by Sunday. His people don’t do fake – they value His Presence too much.
Teachable people are sweet people, they want HIM more than a good image because they lost their pride years ago! Their pride was nothing in comparison to knowing Him. None of us can be the people who do great exploits when we live out our lives differently behind closed doors, hiding from the public gaze. What we believe inside, needs to show up on the outside.
Christians are not meant to be schizophrenics – behaving one way one day and another when nobody else is around. We are the ones who deliver mentally tormented people – we are not meant to be one. And, FYI, I am not criticising those poor sods who are tormented in their minds because of their circumstances etc.
If we have no power, and our prayers are not being answered, then we need to take it personally and ask the Lord: “Why not? what am I doing wrong?” Years ago now I belonged to a smallish church and the pastor’s sermons were rather intellectual. It drove me crazy! I got so frustrated, I wanted to leave the church. FYI the problem was me, not the pastor!
One day I was praying and complaining about the poor man, yet again … and the Lord interrupted me: “I fed the Israelites in the wilderness,” He said, “I gave them the bread of angels. I can feed you here, in this place. Use your faith, listen for My Voice inside the pastor’s voice..” That dryness never ever happened again because I realised my source was the Lord Himself, not just the pastor. I bet the pastor breathed a sigh of relief! Instead I became this man’s biggest fan, because the Lord gave me so much through what He said that challenged me. Angel food is challenging!
So is remaining teachable. If there is something hindering our walk with Him, we can always ask Him for help, and He will help us. The biggest miracles that ever happen, happen when we are changed. Pray to be teachable – read Psalm 1 – then plant yourself by the river. 👋🏻
Invasion of Light 