I agree with David Murray’s post about the most important life skill: teachability. I can think of many people who I have met over the years where their lack of teachability is what has stood out to me in the first or second meeting. They barely know me and they are pontificating about their thoughts. Or others who are argumentative.
Here is his list of things that indicate lack of teachability:
So what does unteachabilty look like? A few include:
Don’t take notes, read books, or learn anything unless it’s the bare minimum or what’s essential for exam purposes.
Don’t ask questions or attempt anything that might reveal your ignorance or risk you looking stupid.
Don’t accept responsibility for your failures but blame anyone and everyone else.
Don’t seek or accept one-to-one personal guidance or mentoring from parents, teachers, pastors, elders, etc.
Don’t listen, but talk, talk, talk about yourself, especially when you’re with someone you could learn a lot from.
Don’t take criticism or correction without resentment or retaliation.
Don’t read, listen to, or learn anything that challenges existing presuppositions, practices, and prejudices.
Are you teachable when it comes to your parenting? family discipleship? Are you seeking to raise children who are teachable?
Some of his teachability list is just as perceptive.
You’re aware of the limitations of your own knowledge and abilities.
You admit limitation, inability, and ignorance to others who can teach and help.
You regularly ask for help, instruction, guidance, and advice (before the event, not after disaster strikes).
You learn from anyone and everyone you can (the best educated pastor I know writes notes for his own benefit even when listening to a novice preacher).
You listen to others carefully and patiently with a desire to learn from everyone.
You’re willing to change your views and practices when convincing evidence is presented to you, even if it means admitting you were wrong.
Do you regularly ask for help? Advice? Do you learn from anyone and everyone? Do you listen to others carefully?
Read his whole article. Print it out for your children and talk about it. Ask how teachable are we as a family?
Speaking of teachability, are you hungry and teachable in your parenting? Check out The Disciple-Making Parent, our flagship resource.
