The Word of God, the Bible, is a spiritual treasure trove of admonition, instruction, teaching, guidance, etc. etc., but as we all know, if a person doesn’t receive the instruction, if they are not teachable, the truth falls on deaf ears and is not profitable. II Timothy 3:16 states “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” When we attend church and hear the teaching and preaching of the Word of God, our prayer is that we would “grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Ecclesiastes 5:1, “…when thou goest to the house of God,…be more ready to hear…” Richard Baxter said, “For in a learning way men are ready to receive the truth, but in a disputing way they come armed against it with prejudice and animosity.” We speak of an “attitude” of learning, an attitude of humility, of being teachable even as a little child. Proverbs 8:33 states “Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.” We are not speaking of intelligence, we are talking about spirituality. In John 6:63 Jesus said “…the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” The spirit of God teaches us by the Word of God.
We also learn from experience. In Philippians 4:11 the Apostle Paul said “…I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” He knew both blessings and trials. He experienced both abundance and loss and was better for it. There was an Indian, who, whenever he reached a dangerous bog in the swamp, would put up a stake to mark the spot. By this means, he not only guarded his future movements, but furnished a warning to others who might pass that way. This is the benefit one generation derives from another.
We can also learn from someone’s else’s mistakes and experience. Romans 15:4, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” What have we learned from the jealousy of Joseph’s brethren, the criticism of Job’s friends, the faith of Abraham, the help of Abigail, the providence of God in the book of Esther or the blessings of God in the book of Psalms? What have we learned from history? That we don’t learn from history!
Jesus said in Matthew 11:29, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” If you would find rest for your soul, if you would find wisdom and guidance for your life, learn of Him. May our Lord give us all a hunger and desire for His instruction.
All the way my Savior leads me; What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy, Who thro’ life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort, Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.