How to Teach Being Teachable

Are they teachable? Most coaches and teachers will tell you they will prefer a kid who is willing to learn over one with natural talent but a hard head. And as a parent, you know a child who won’t listen and learn unleashes all levels of frustration in you.

So, too, in the spiritual life. If we hope to see more of the good results of a life filled with God, our children must be willing to be taught by those who have lived that kind of life.

And, as with most things, we must model it.

Christ chose some of us to be apostles, prophets, missionaries, pastors, and teachers, so his people would learn to serve and his body would grow strong. This will continue until we are united by our faith and by our understanding of the Son of God. Then we will be mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him.

Ephesians 4:11-13 (CEV)

Being spiritually teachable is exemplified when we submit ourselves to good teachers (and watch out for false teachers—1 Timothy 6:3; 2 Peter 2:1). It means we make the difficult effort to find new churches each time we move. We stay connected to spiritual leaders who know us well and will tell us the hard truth, even though it takes extra effort in a roving military lifestyle. Our kids should see us asking good questions of our pastors and asking for prayer from our spiritual siblings. And we continue to push our own faith deeper with Bible studies, books, sermons, and podcasts.

It is such a blessing to live in a time and in a country where we have a plethora of ways to grow in our spiritual walk. Let’s not waste this gift nor neglect to show our children how essential spiritual growth is to us. Let’s model how to get closer to God through the spiritual guidance of our leaders.

PRAY

Lord, please help my children humble themselves and be teachable. Please help me do it first. May we grow in you together. Amen.

TIME TO TALK

Conversation starter for kids: Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate a time of applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.

Question(s): How do you like to learn about God?

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help parents expand their Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Colossians 1:28

Hebrews 13:17