LIFELONG LEARNING

But as for you, CONTINUE in the things which you have LEARNED and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them – 2 Timothy 3:14

The LORD Jesus invites us to be teachable: Take My yoke upon you, and LEARN from ME; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Mt. 11:29). Isaiah urges the inhabitants of the earth to learn righteousness (Isa.26:9b). Jesus, “though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered” (Heb.5:8). Paul advocated continuous, lifelong learning (2Tim.3:14). Timothy had been learning righteousness from childhood (vs.14-17). To be teachable is to have the mind-set of a lifelong learner; to be consistently open to learning, growing, and improving.

Being teachable is fundamental to walking and living uprightly. Remember, our goal is the Land of Uprightness! Therefore, we must be always ready to learn – all through life! Lifelong learning is foundational to spiritual growth and character development in all areas of our walk with the Lord. It also infers that age need not be a barrier to learning. There are Christians who are advanced in age, and yet humble and teachable. And there are young, but extremely arrogant, proud, and unteachable persons, who have a hard time listening to anyone but themselves. “By pride comes only contention, but with the well-advised is wisdom.” (Pro.13:10). Lifelong learning is learning that never stops. Here are few key requirements for you to be a lifelong learner:

Be humble: realize that it’s not about you. If you are filled with yourself, then there is no room for anyone else in your life. God, not you, is the Source of all wisdom, so don’t act as if you were. You are put in charge or made responsible, more for the benefit of others. Therefore, you owe it to those around you to constantly be learning how to be better, even from those you lead. However, humility is not thinking less of yourself; that’s inferiority. It is about thinking of yourself less.

Be teachable: you must realize that you don’t know everything, and therefore be on the lookout for teachable opportunities everywhere. Even failure can be a platform for forward momentum. But failure must not be an excuse for stagnation. Failure must not be tolerated or accommodated.  It must be seen as a rest stop, and not as a destination.

Be willing to change: be flexible and adaptable. You must be humble enough to put into practice what you have learned. Change is uncomfortable, but inevitable. Life is about changing and adapting to change; and you must be willing to change so you can help those around you navigate the change. Becoming your best in God will involve change. Those who refuse to change end up in chains!

Humble learners usually become faithful leaders. Lifelong learners become successful and fulfilled long-term leaders.