The Humble Learner: Embracing Teachability in a Resistant World

Blog Number: 9
Author: Kelly L. Call

Dear friends,

Following our reflection on the necessity of stillness last week, the natural next step in optimizing our emotionally dynamic lives is cultivating Teachability. It’s one thing to find quiet moments to hear God’s voice, but it’s another entirely to possess a heart willing to be changed by what we hear. In a world that often prizes certainty and defends fixed positions, embracing the humble posture of a lifelong learner is truly a revolutionary act.

How often do we encounter new truths or potential corrections and immediately resist? Our pride flares up, our assumptions feel threatened, or we simply fear the discomfort of change. We might tell ourselves we already know enough, or that this particular insight doesn’t apply to us. This resistance, as explored in Chapter 7 of the book, is a significant barrier—manifesting as arrogance, stubbornness, closed-mindedness, or even a subtle fear of failure if we try something new.

The scriptures are clear: the natural tendency is towards resistance. King Benjamin taught powerfully that the natural man must yield and become like a child—“submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him” (Mosiah 3:19). This isn’t about becoming childish, but childlike: maintaining that innate curiosity, openness, and trust that allows for constant growth.

🌱 Teachability: Chapter 7 Insights

Chapter 7, “Teachability, Reasoning - Meekness and Childlike Curiosity,” delves into governing our intellect. True teachability involves:

Meekness: Not weakness, but a humble willingness to be guided, recognizing God’s wisdom exceeds our own (Isaiah 55:8-9). It’s trusting the Master Potter’s hand, even during refining fires.
Curiosity: An active desire to seek, discover, and explore possibilities rather than dismissing them. It asks, “What more can I learn?” (James 1:5).
Overcoming Stubbornness: Recognizing and letting go of the refusal to change, even when confronted with greater light (as contrasted between Nephi and his brothers).
Learning from Failure: Understanding that mistakes are not final but are essential feedback in the process of becoming (Psalm 37:24).
The parable of the Two Vessels in the book starkly illustrates this. The first apprentice, relying on past knowledge, resisted the Master Potter’s instruction on preparing the clay. His vessel, though shaped with apparent skill, cracked in the fire because the foundation was flawed. The second apprentice, humble and teachable, followed every instruction and his vessel emerged strong and flawless. Christ, the Master Potter, can only shape a soul that is willing to be shaped.

💡 Modern Prophetic Invitation

Prophets continually emphasize the need for ongoing learning and adaptation. President Russell M. Nelson has taught:
“The Lord loves effort, because effort brings rewards that can’t come without it. The Lord loves consistency because He knows that what we do on a daily basis is what ultimately shapes us.”
Teachability is that consistent effort. It’s the daily choice to approach God and life with an open, eager heart, ready to receive and apply instruction, no matter how challenging.

[Inside Chapter 7 - Cultivating a Teachable Heart]

🔧 Practical Practices for Cultivating Teachability:

Challenge Assumptions Daily: Ask yourself, “What belief did I hold today that might be limiting? What if I am wrong about X?” Test assumptions against scripture and prophetic counsel.
Embrace Truth-Based Affirmations: Counter thoughts like “I already know this” with “I am always learning and growing.” Replace “This is too hard to change” with “With God, all things are possible.”
Practice Active Listening: In conversations, focus on understanding the other person’s perspective before formulating your response. Ask clarifying questions. Be open to feedback.
Pray Specifically for a Teachable Heart: Ask daily, “Lord, help me be meek and lowly in heart. Soften my resistance to correction. Show me what I need to learn today.”
Keep a “Learn and Apply” Journal: As discussed in Chapter 7.4, actively record insights AND specifically how you will apply them. This turns passive hearing into active becoming.
Becoming teachable is perhaps the greatest key to unlocking our divine potential. It allows us to move beyond pride, fear, and stagnation into a state of continual growth, guided by the Spirit. It is the path of discipleship that transforms knowledge into wisdom and ultimately reshapes us into the image of the Master Learner, Jesus Christ.

May we all seek the blessing of a teachable heart.

With curiosity and humility,
Kelly L Call