Humility and Learning

I recently read this quote:

"True humility is the ability to learn something from anyone.”I

You might want to read that a few times. (If you struggle with pride, you might want to print it off and tape it to your mirror) In other words, I should not be limited to learning only from those with whom I agree, look up to, have a lot in common with, or like to be around. I don't know about you, but I want to be a life-long learner. I often talk to my kiddos about developing a love for learning. But this quote takes all of that a step further. It is one thing to learn from those we respect or appreciate or to learn about topics we enjoy, but it is an entirely different thing to learn from those with whom we might disagree.

Part of what it means to engage and interact with people, is to be willing to learn whatever I can from whoever I can, whenever I can. And BTW, we can not minister to people with whom we are not willing to engage and/or learn. It is helpful to remember that God is the only One who has the copyright on truth and wisdom. Therefore, I can learn something from about anyone, even if I completely disagree with where they stand on a particular issue or subject.

I can approach my days either with a humble love for learning or I can approach my day with arrogance and resistance to those with whom I might differ. Thankfully, I am learning that life is greatly enriched when I approach all my encounters with the expectation that I can learn something from any and everyone.

The man in the picture is a great teacher and friend. His name is Dr. Earl Wilson and he teaches the Word of God with great passion and conviction. He has taught me on many occasions. One thing I most admire about Dr. Wilson is his humility and willingness to learn, even as he approaches retirement from the ministry.

Thank you, Earle, for teaching and embodying authentic humility and a love for learning!