Teachability // David
The Bible says that David was a man after God’s own heart. What does that mean?
After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.‘” Acts 13:22
David proved God true through the varied circumstances of life.
David was a powerful king who was disobeyed and disrespected. He was teachable enough that he backed off and allowed a commoner – a WOMAN - to challenge his angry decision and save his legacy.
Teachability
David is known as the greatest and most famous king who ever lived because of his character.
HUMILITY - putting my hope and trust in the right place.
TEACHABILITY
What do you need to learn?
Sometimes we don’t learn what we really need to know because we refuse to see our insufficiencies or inabilities.
Sometimes we don’t learn what we really need to know because there are some people we just won’t allow to teach us.
Teachability is the humble willingness see our insufficiencies and inabilities and to learn whatever is needed to be our best - from whoever can teach us, in whatever way is necessary.
David was accustomed to being “right” and in charge. He did well under those circumstances.
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12
Most of us do great until we are confronted with something that is wrong in us or we are not in control. But being wrong or being mistreated often provide the best opportunities to learn.
I Samuel 25
Abigail shows us how to teach:
When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed low before him. She fell at his feet and said, “I accept all blame in this matter, my lord. Please listen to what I have to say. I know Nabal is a wicked and ill-tempered man; please don’t pay any attention to him. He is a fool, just as his name suggests. But I never even saw the young men you sent. “Now, my lord, as surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, since the Lord has kept you from murdering and taking vengeance into your own hands, let all your enemies and those who try to harm you be as cursed as Nabal is. And here is a present that I, your servant, have brought to you and your young men. Please forgive me if I have offended you in any way. The Lord will surely reward you with a lasting dynasty, for you are fighting the Lord’s battles. And you have not done wrong throughout your entire life. Even when you are chased by those who seek to kill you, your life is safe in the care of the Lord your God, secure in his treasure pouch! But the lives of your enemies will disappear like stones shot from a sling! When the Lord has done all he promised and has made you leader of Israel, don’t let this be a blemish on your record. Then your conscience won’t have to bear the staggering burden of needless bloodshed and vengeance. And when the Lord has done these great things for you, please remember me, your servant!”
I Samuel 25:23-31
She is proactive and takes responsibility.
She tells the truth.
She acknowledges all the good she can.
She treats David as the person she hopes he will become.
She corrects wrong without attacking or condescending.
She repays evil with blessing.
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
I Peter 3:9
David shows us how to be teachable.
He slowed down to listen.
He didn’t look for reasons to discount her.
He considered what story he wanted his life to tell.
He was humble enough to change and do for others what they don’t deserve.
Teachability is the humble willingness see our insufficiencies and inabilities and to learn whatever is needed to be our best - from whoever can teach us, in whatever way is necessary.
BOTTOM LINE: Teachability can save my life and legacy.
NEXT STEPS:
1. Ask yourself, “What do I need to learn?” “Who could help me that I won’t listen to?”
2. Ask yourself, “What story do I want to be able to tell about this part of my life?”
3. Tell the truth to yourself and God - then act on it.
