BEING TEACHABLE

I will instruct thee and teach thee

in the way which thou shalt go:

I will guide thee with mine eye.

Psalm 34:11

Anyone who has ever taught others can almost tell right away those who are teachable and those who are not.  There will always be one or two who let a teacher know that they have no desire to be with the group. Such people almost dare a teacher to inspire them to learn the least little thing. 

In the above verse, it seems to be speaking of the same activity which is instruction and teaching. In the truest sense, the words are different. God promises to instruct and teach us. It seems like God is in earnest in both presentations. What better educator can we have other than God Himself. However, we must be determined to be teachable. When test time comes, I want more of myself than just a passing grade.

As of late, the Holy Spirit led me to Psalm 34:11.  Even though, many times, I was in my Bible hardly able to read the words because of tears, I determined, that I did not want to waste this time. I want to remain open to what the Holy Spirit wants to show me, however He chooses.

In most education circles, teaching and instruction are similar but not the same. Teaching will always present the basics of a subject, important information. For instance, a teacher may teach something about a new tool on the market. It's described and may even speak of it's intended function. Instruction takes that information and shows a student who has learned the name and function of the tool, how to use it...putting it into practical h is what usage.  

God wants of us.to  always be learning things about His Word.  We learn fact after fact as we read. The Holy Spirit ever so gently teaches us about His Word.,  but then, He takes us into the classroom of instruction. That classroom may take on the location of our church auditorium, Sunday school classroom, conferences...all where we learn how to make God's Word work in our lives. The Holy Spirit will still teach us in personal ways. God wants to pull out all the stops in teaching and instructing so we can be as strong spiritually as possible.

God promises to use all of this in leading us in the right paths and then says He will guide us with His eye. Did you ever have a parent who had a way of guiding you just with his or her eye. I could tell with just a look at my Mother in certain situations, if she was a happy camper with me or not. God's eye serves on our behalf and isn't meant to be stern but loving. He promises to be watching us and guiding us in a very personal way for our own safety and well being.

Can you believe we have such a Heavenly Father who is so vested in looking out for what is in our best interest? With all of this attention from our Father, we should be alert and teachable at every opportunity. May we stay teachable.

Father, thank You for your patience in teaching us when often we may not be paying attention. Thank You for Your consistent love, direction and patience with us. Keep us close for Your sake and our well being. Amen