By Cleere Cheery Reaves 
“To acquire wisdom is to love yourself; please who cherish understanding will prosper.” (Proverbs, 19:8 NLT)
It was a beautiful day, and the playground was packed. My son Sledge and I strolled and enjoyed watching other families play made-up games and get their energy out. My eyes landed on one little boy at the top of the climbing structure. Glancing at his mama, I could see her frightened face as she tried to redirect him. Sure enough, his stubbornness to do as he pleased meant that he took a tumble. I then watched the mother clean up her son’s scrapes and dry his tears. I wish it weren’t the case, but as I watched this child, I saw myself.
The truth is, it’s hard to have a teachable spirit. It requires a foundation of humility, a willingness to be wrong, and a constant belief that godly wisdom is far superior to the desires, prayers, and temporary longings of your human heart.
This week, there will be countless moments when you’ll face this decision: Will you hold tightly to your pride and how you’re perceived, or will you walk in humility, choosing to receive God’s highest and best for your life as you accept His correction? Whether the teachable moments take place between you and your boss, you and your spouse, or just between you and Jesus, being a student is one of the most powerful roles you get to claim as a child of God. Perfection is not the goal; progress is. Popularity isn’t the goal; legacy is. Impressing the world isn’t the goal; living impacted by Jesus and His truth is.
These truths, if you really believe them, can change everything about your week.
The rich and abundant life you have been promised and the one your heart deeply desires will always be found on the other side of refinement, no matter how painful or intense it may feel. Sometimes you’ll want to throw in the towel. In those moments—or seasons—ask the Holy Spirit for endurance, patience, and a deeper hunger to live like Jesus. He will help you dig in and dig deep.
The choice to have a teachable spirit means operating in the belief that God is God, and you are not. He is the Teacher, and you are the student. Receive His correction as a love letter to your soul, calling you back into the shadow of His wings and reminding you that His definition of “more” is the life you want to live.
DECLARE OVER YOUR WEEK:
- I will receive constructive criticism with a humble and teachable spirit.
- I will declare that my hands are open and my heart is willing to go wherever He leads.
- I will remember that God is the game changer in my life.
- I will trust that God’s will is for my good, even when I don’t understand what He is doing.
- I will look forward to the life God has for me. Every day is a blessing.
Excerpted from Revive: Declarations of God’s Truth to Renew Your Spirit by Cleere Cherry Reaves. © 2024 Cleerely Stated, LLC. Used by permission of Thomas Nelson. HarperCollinsChristian.com.
by Sarah Lango 
by Shannon Evans 
