To keep growing in life, we have to become lifelong learners. And learning requires submission; a quality of character we sometimes think doesn’t apply to us. We think submission is ‘just for those other people who need to be led’. This is particularly true in our early years when we’re sure that we know it all and use every opportunity to prove it. Reaching for a good adviser takes real humility of heart. The truth is, if we’re not teachable, we'll never reach our full potential. The more we think we know, the less likely we are to place ourselves under the influence of someone who really knows and can help us grow. This is especially true when we view ourselves as more capable, passionate, and talented than others around us. Wise people are always willing to acknowledge their limitations and ask for help from someone with more knowledge or experience. Only naive people would work under the assumption that they can make all the right decisions without good input from others who've been in similar situations. But they can’t.

Here are three Scriptures from the book of Proverbs that we need to stop and consider today: 1) ‘The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice’ (Proverbs 12:15 NIV). 2) ‘Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed’ (Proverbs 15:22 NIV). 3) ‘Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise’ (Proverbs 19:20 NIV). It’s not just what our advisers know, it’s what they see that makes them valuable to us. They're an extra pair of eyes and ears. And in a complex world full of changing situations, that's always useful!

What Now?

Are you teachable? Or are you inclined to be a bit resistant to advice and instruction? Whatever your attitude to learning, ask God today to help you be more open to good teachers and wise influencers.