Our Bible study group is delving into Proverbs. This week we were talking about our willingness to learn and what happens when we are not open to learning.
He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth. (Proverbs 10:17)
This verse hit me right between the eyes. Truth is I am not open to learning, especially when the topic is uncomfortable. Come to think of it, I don't like to learn anything at all if it wasn't my idea to begin with.
In our marriage, my wonderful husband Lew has tried to lead me in the direction he feels God is guiding us as a couple and guiding our family. He tries to lead us and move my stubborn feet, but the fact is that I am not willing to learn.
Please understand that Lew doesn't rule our house like a dictator. Rather, he is the best example of a servant-leader I have ever seen. He prays for us and for direction, then he does his best to move us in that direction. The problem is that I don't always follow his lead, and I don't always open myself up to learn what is necessary to move forward with him.
Granted, he doesn't have all the answers at his disposal. That's when I should get busy learning. If I intend to be a submissive wife, then I need to do whatever is necessary to learn a new thing when my husband has made a decision to expand our horizons as a family (or a couple).
Sadly, I do not always conform to his wishes. Sometimes I think "If I don't make any move toward learning this new skill, then he'll stop prodding and I will be off the hook."
Think again.
When I close myself off from learning something new that will benefit my marriage and my family (and therefore glorify my Heavenly Father), then I am sinning and I must ask Lew's forgiveness. Then I must go and learn all about it.
Here's to my new found willingness to learn!
