Be Teachable

By: John Carrigan

Saturday, April 5, 2025

What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit? 1 Corinthians 4:21

In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul warns the Corinthian church about spiritual pride. They were arguing about which teacher they preferred instead of focusing on what was being taught. Pride causes us to look at others and compare them to ourselves. Comparison is dangerous, because we either think we're better than others, or less than others, and both are untrue. Our true worth is found in Christ!

It’s wrong to form opinions and judge others, because only God knows the motives of their heart. Christ follower, don't look down or around, look towards Christ. Jesus is the perfector of our faith, and He is the origin and completion of everything. When our gaze is fixed on Jesus, we cannot help but be humble, appreciative, and encouraged. Staying humble says “God, you’re always in charge” despite our doubts, worries, and concerns. When we doubt, we can ask God to increase our faith. When we are worried, we can ask God for His peace. If our obedience wavers, we can ask God to strengthen our resolve.

A humble believer knows that their faith and obedience have room for improvement, so they frequently ask God to increase them. If we rely on our own strength and faith, we'll never make it. Being humble means admitting we're human (and imperfect), and admitting it when we need correction... In Revelation 3:19, God tells us; "Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent."

When God corrects us, how will we respond? Will we make excuses? Will we deny it, and shift the blame toward others? Or as Revelation 3:19 says, will we receive it and repent? Being corrected can be hard, but how we receive and respond to it is important to God. Several years ago, I laid my "hurt by the church" story on a trusted Pastor. I was expecting him to vindicate me and show pity. Instead, his wise response was “God knows”. I already knew that God knew, but in my flesh, I was expecting Him to get involved and apply justice. I wanted Him to "work someone over", but instead, God accomplished a work in me.

Sometimes, God must do a work in us before He starts working through us. Lord, help us all be open to your loving discipline and correction. Help us learn from Your lessons, and change us to be more like You!