What Kind of Learner are You?
Life contains lots of lessons. Unfortunately, we miss many of them because we are not paying attention!
God challenges us to become learners. Take a look at one example of this:
“Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will honor you. Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you.” — Proverbs 4:6-8 (NLT)
This passage tells us about the power and importance of gaining wisdom. It implies that some people get it, while others fail to get it. Some people prize learning while others don’t. I want to be a part of the former group, not the latter, and I believe you do too!
To get wisdom we must develop the traits of a good learner. Good learners have an appetite to learn. They are teachable and humble in spirit. They are responsive to the help, guidance, instruction and correction of their teachers. They seek to apply what they are learning. They listen well and look for lessons that will enrich their understanding. They “sit at the front of the class” when opportunities for instruction come their way. They apply discipline to their daily habits and thoughts.
In our pursuit of wisdom we must understand that there is a big difference between the wisdom of the world and the wisdom of God. The kind of wisdom the Bible calls us to go after is the wisdom of God. The right and ultimate goal of getting wisdom is to get to know God and His ways. It is to grow in our capacity to view life from God’s perspective rather than from the perspective of our own thoughts, feelings and fleshly inclinations. It is to act in ways that are consistent with God’s ways. It is to develop the kind of character that God can count on, and the kind of life that God can use.
The Apostle James reminds us of the attitudes and actions God’s wisdom produces in someone’s life:
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” — James 3:17 (NIV)
The Message paraphrase gives some us some additional insight on this verse:
“Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two faced.” — James 3:17 (Msg)
What kind of a learner are you? What kind of wisdom are you pursuing and applying — the wisdom of the world or the wisdom of God? What steps will you take to become a better learner of God’s wisdom?
Make the decision to consistently go after the wisdom of God and the fruit it produces!
Dale O'Shields
For more information, visit the Church of the Redeemer's website.
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