“In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Yesterday our scripture referred to mustard seed faith. On this Teachable Tuesday I want to share with you how mustard taught me humility. Mirriam-Webster defines teachable as;

1. a) capable of being taught

b) apt and willing to learn

2. Favorable to teaching

When I Googled scripture about being teachable, the above scripture was the first one referenced. I interpret that to mean, being teachable also means being humble.

Many, many years ago when I was a student at Columbia College, I took a speech class. One day I had a speech to give and I felt very confident about what I had written. I had worked hard to research, gather information and arrange it for my presentation. The morning of the speech was a warm, spring day so I was eager to wear a new, stylish outfit that consisted of matching shorts and shirt. One might say I was full of pride as I gazed in the mirror at my stylish outfit, perfectly placed hair and well crafted speech in hand. I headed to the cafeteria for lunch prior to my class. Immediately following lunch I headed to my class. When it was my turn to present, I did a great job of delivering my speech, if I do say so myself. As I left class I had a pep in my step, almost walking on air, so proud of the job I’d done. Only a few moments later, my bubble was busted. Once in the broad daylight, I glanced down at my predominately white shirt to see a large, yellow, mustard stain right in the middle of it. I was upset that my new shirt had a mustard stain and more importantly I began to deflate as I realized I had just stood in front of my class with mustard on me. Initially, I felt horrified and humiliated. However, the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to laugh. What a funny way for God to bring me back to earth and teach me humility.

Over the years I have told that story several times as an example of learning humility. However, today, as I reflect on the story, I realize I would never have learned that lesson on humility if I had not been teachable.

Think about yourself. Are you teachable? Are you eager to learn from mishaps and mistakes? Do you view failure as good data to help you learn? What lessons have you learned over the years?

As you start your day, ask God to help you have a teachable spirit. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide and direct your thoughts as you listen and learn throughout your day. Whatever you do, watch out for mustard!