I like to think that I am an open person. Specifically, I like to think that I am willing to learn from anyone. Unfortunately, what “I like to think” is not always true. In fact, if I am being honest, many times what “I like to think” is more of a wish than a reality.

However, I have found it is easier to learn from people who are clearly better, smarter, or more knowledgable than I am. When there seems to be a noticeable gap in what they know from what I know, then it is way easier to want to learn from them. If it is clear that they know more or have experienced more than me then it becomes easy to want to learn, to pick their brain, or to ask good questions. 

But here is the issue. At times (more times than I care to admit), I don’t notice the gap in what they know vs what I know. I don’t notice that they just might know more than I do. Why is that? Is it just because I am not paying attention? I wish that was the reason.

The reason that I miss the gap is not because I wasn’t paying attention. More often than not, the reason I missed the gap is because I was unwilling to recognize that there was even a gap. Instead, I would equate myself to being on the same level. If I am being honest (this is a safe place, right?), my over bloated view of self can too easily fill that gap to cause a warped point of view. My pride or over-confidence tempts me to place myself on the same level as them. Or if I am having a particularly challenging day, I might even be tempted to believe that I know best.

This can show up in the most odd places too. It can show up as I read a Christian author. I think, “Sure, he has written a book, but what does he actually know?” Or as I talk with a friend, “I get what he is saying, but I don’t think he can even comprehend what I am thinking.” Even with my kids it is easy to dismiss what I could learn since they don’t have the “life experience” that I have. (Most certainly this issue never shows up when I talk with my wife!)

Thankfully, the Lord has placed many opportunities in my life to learn. He has placed other Godly men and women in my life on the team here at New Life. He has placed good principles in Christian books to help me stretch and grow. He has given me His Word to instruct me and teach me His ways. The Lord has graciously given me a wife to learn from. 

God has placed people in your life too. He even tells us that He has gifted those people to us to teach and instruct us “so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” (Ephesians 4:14-15)

My prayer is that you are willing to learn. That you would be humble to even learn from people that seem like they might not have much to offer. I pray that I remember that it is not about the delivery person, but instead what needs to be delivered to us so that we may become more like Christ.