Stay Humble and Teachable

Stay Humble and Teachable

Living with a Spirit of Submission, Growth, and Grace

Introduction

In the journey of faith, two qualities that keep us aligned with God's will and open to His blessings are humility and teachability. These aren't just admirable traits—they are essential for spiritual growth, divine guidance, and healthy relationships. The proud heart is closed off, while the humble heart remains open—to God, to others, and to truth.

The world often tells us to project confidence, assert our opinions, and build our personal brand. But in the Kingdom of God, it is the humble and teachable who are truly great in His eyes.

1. God Honors the Humble

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.”

— James 4:10 (NIV)

Pride distances us from God because it places our confidence in ourselves instead of Him. On the contrary, humility draws God's attention and favor. Humility is not weakness—it’s strength under control. It’s knowing our place before a holy God, acknowledging that every good thing we have comes from Him.

“He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.”

— Psalm 25:9 (NIV)

God guides and teaches the humble because they are willing to be led. Pride resists instruction, but humility invites it.

2. Teachability Reflects Wisdom

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

— Proverbs 9:10 (NIV)

A teachable spirit is one that fears God and values His wisdom above personal opinions or worldly knowledge. It means being willing to learn, unlearn, and relearn as God shapes us.

“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.”

— Proverbs 19:20 (NIV)

Being teachable doesn’t mean lacking knowledge—it means recognizing that growth is a lifelong process. Even the most mature believers still have more to learn.

Illustration: Think of a sponge—it only absorbs when it is soft. A hard stone repels water. In the same way, a humble and teachable heart is like a sponge—ready to absorb truth and grace.

3. Pride Hinders Progress

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

— Proverbs 16:18 (NIV)

Pride blinds us to our flaws, deafens us to correction, and distances us from others and from God. A proud person believes they have arrived. A teachable person knows they are still on the journey.

“Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.”

— Proverbs 26:12 (NIV)

When we stop listening and assume we know it all, we set ourselves up for failure. Even leaders, teachers, and elders must remain teachable, because God can use anyone to reveal truth.

4. Jesus: The Model of Humility

“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus... He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross.”

— Philippians 2:5,8 (NASB)

Jesus, though fully God, did not cling to His divine privileges. He lowered Himself to serve and to save. His life demonstrated that true greatness is found in humility and obedience.

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

— Mark 10:45 (NIV)

If Jesus—the King of Kings—chose to serve and submit, how much more should we embrace humility?

5. Growth Comes Through Correction

“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.”

— Proverbs 12:1 (NIV)

It’s a strong verse, but it makes a powerful point: correction is a gift. It shows us where we can grow. A teachable person welcomes feedback and uses it to become better. God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6), and receiving that discipline with humility leads to righteousness and peace.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

— Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)

Surround yourself with people who speak truth in love. Don’t just seek encouragement—seek accountability. A teachable spirit thrives in godly community.

6. Humility Leads to Promotion

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.”

— 1 Peter 5:6 (NIV)

You don’t need to fight for your place when you trust God to promote you. When your heart is humble and your spirit is teachable, He will position you where you need to be—at the right time and for the right purpose.

“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

— Luke 14:11 (NIV)

Conclusion: A Lifelong Posture

To stay humble and teachable is to remain in a lifelong posture of growth, surrender, and dependence on God. It’s about saying daily, “Lord, I don’t have it all figured out. Teach me, lead me, and help me reflect Your heart.”

A humble and teachable person becomes a vessel God can fill, shape, and use for His glory.

Prayer

“Lord, give me a humble heart and a teachable spirit. Help me to never become too proud to learn, too stubborn to change, or too self-reliant to seek You. Teach me Your ways and lead me in truth. I want to grow in wisdom and grace, always reflecting Your humility and love. In Jesus’ name, amen.”