“Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction,
but whoever heeds reproof is honored.”
– Proverbs 13:18 (ESV)

To be a great coach, a great athlete, or a great leader, you must have a “teachable spirit”. We have all seen that gifted and talented person who limits his or her potential because of arrogance, self-centeredness or pride. In the Old Testament book of Daniel, we see a classic example of a leader who limited himself because he was not teachable. King Nebuchadnezzar ruled over the powerful kingdom of Babylon. A troubling dream came to the king and Daniel was called upon to interpret the dream. God had given King Nebuchadnezzar a vision of a large tree chopped down by an angel. The tree represented the king. Because of the king’s arrogance, God would take away his position and send him into the wilderness to live like an animal. His hair and fingernails would grow long. He would eat like the animals and live in caves and dirt huts. He would stay in the wilderness until he recognized God as the supreme Ruler of the world. God made a way to create a “teachable” spirit in King Nebuchadnezzar.

What about you? Is that “teachable” spirit present? If not, how can you improve your teachability? Here are a few steps that may help. (1) Don’t believe your own press. Don’t get distracted by your accomplishments. (2) Pay attention to how you react to mistakes. Do you get defensive? Be honest about your needs. (3) Try something new. Challenge yourself and find ways to keep learning. (4) Grow in the area of your strength. Read books and learn new skills. Keep stretching yourself. King Nebuchadnezzar had to learn the hard way! What path will you take?

Gracious Heavenly Father, thank You for the great wisdom found in Your Holy Word. May I see the story of King Nebuchadnezzar as an example for my own life. In Your strength, may I become more teachable and less arrogant. In Jesus name, Amen.