The Teachable Student

The bible addresses the topic of teaching on numerous occasions. Teaching is an important part of society, the church, and the home. Christ built His ministry around teaching others and He surrounded Himself with students who were willing to learn and there were others that rejected His wisdom.

It is my opinion that everyone is a student 24 hours a day. We are surrounded by wisdom, we interact with people that have wisdom, and we experience events that provide us with knowledge all the time. We are being taught even when we don't realize it. With all of the knowledge around us and with the many teachers we encounter, becoming a teachable student is something we all need to address.

Becoming a good student is fundamental to our relationship with Jesus. It is also critical to our personal and professional growth. Making the decision to actively listen and learn requires us to shed a few bags of our former nature. Our former nature hates to indulge in Godly wisdom. It wants to prevent us from growing and gaining more ground in our purpose. Let me describe our former nature:

- Proud
- Arrogant
- Rebellious
- Deaf
- Insecure

Our former nature is a "know it all" and esteems itself a little too highly. Our former nature is also rebellious. It can't seem to submit to leadership and it especially can't stand submitting to those with the authority to teach. It has selective hearing and it will listen only when it is convenient. Lastly, our old nature is insecure. It doesn't want to be a teachable student because it needs to face what it does not know and admit that it is not always "right".

I have to say that my old nature has popped up many times in my life. For me to grow as a leader, I need to master the art of being a teachable student. How do we overcome this old nature that does not want to be teachable? Well, overcoming our old ways is simply a choice. It is a choice because we are now free from the proud, arrogant, rebellious, deaf, and insecure ways of our past (Romans). So if we are not teachable, it is because we choose not to be. We'd rather ignore the signs of our faulty old character.

Becoming a teachable student is essential to our success in the public arena. Most importantly, it is the only way we can please Christ. Ultimately, the best students will become the best teachers and will become the shining examples of Godly influence in a crippled culture.

"Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me."
- Psalm 25:4-5

Pop the Culture,

B.A.P

HIS Network is Your Network

You've heard the term "networking" before. It is a common term used in the business world. It has everything to do with making connections with people that have the potential to be a helpful resource. In today's culture, networking is essential to achieving your goals. Knowing the right people, at the right time, and leveraging those connections is so important.

When my wife and I got married, she was still living and working in New Jersey while I was in Delaware. She was looking for a job closer to our home for several months and could not find the right opportunity. We didn't want to settle for any job, but we wanted the right job that fits her future plans. We prayed and waited..prayed and waited...and did some more praying.

After we got back from the honeymoon, we still had this job challenge hanging over our heads. We were still living apart and something had to give. Out of nowhere, she meets someone through a friend that has connections at a company in her field of interest. This new acquaintance was cool enough to pass along my wife's resume to his contacts. Literally, within two weeks she was interviewed and hired. This is networking at its best.

For months, she was posting her resume on Monster.com, Career Builder, and other sites. No response. Then at the right time, she meets the right person, who had the right resources to place her where she needs to be. The job she landed was not a close fit, but a perfect fit.

Do you believe that God is orchestrating the right network for you? This network of people will enter your path to help you fulfill the plan of God. Make no mistake, your network will play a key role in making your vision come to pass. Some of these people will become close friends and others will be short lived relationships. Either way, they play an important role in your journey.

Here are some Evangeleader networking tips:

1. As you pray for direction, pray that you meet the right people.

2. Create a list of people you know that could be a helpful resource. List their strengths, skills, and the areas where they can help you.

3. Don't feel like your using people. Maintain sincere relationships and be honest when you need their help. Be straight forward in your communication.

4. Be discerning of new people you meet. Do not over-look people that may be entering your path for a reason. Make note of these people and add them to your list (#2). You may not need them now, but maybe 1 year from now.

5. Connect with people from your past that may now be in positions to help build your future. Try Facebook!

6. Keep in contact with your network. Send emails, make phone calls, and shoot text messages.

7. Thank people when they do help you get closer to your goal. Gratitude will leave room for even more grace.

8. Lastly, strive to be on another person's network list. Life is about giving.

Remember, HIS network is your network.

Pop the Culture,

B.A.P