A TEACHABLE SPIRIT
Listen to counsel and receive instruction,
That you may be wise in your latter days.
Proverbs 19:20 (NKJV)
Since high school, I have sought the friendship and counsel of older women, drawn to the wisdom and spiritual strength that many seasoned Christians possess. Their life experiences and tested faith have guided me, helping me dive deeper into my relationship with God. The story of Esther illustrates the value of being open to wise guidance.
Esther is unique in that it is the only book that never mentions God. We first meet Esther as an orphan adopted by her cousin, Mordecai. When King Xerxes of Persia seeks a new queen, Esther is brought to the palace with other young women. She undergoes beauty treatments and, with her charm and grace, wins the favor of Hegai, the eunuch in charge. Esther eventually wins the King's favor, becoming his new queen.
Mordecai remains a supportive figure, visiting the harem daily to check on Esther and to offer guidance. She communicates with him through messengers and adheres to his wise counsel, such as remaining silent about her Jewish identity, and alerting the King about a plot against him. Her humility and obedience to Mordecai's advice are evident.
As time passes and Haman, the King's second in command, plots against the Jews, Mordecai reminds Esther that her royal position does not guarantee her safety. He challenges her with the pivotal question, ...who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? (Esther 4:14). This moment highlights the importance of being receptive to wise counsel, encouraging her to act.
Esther responds by fasting and praying, ultimately deciding to use her influence as queen to save her people. Her success would not have been possible without the counsel and support of Mordecai and others. This story underlines the significance of remaining open to wise counsel and being prepared to step up when called upon, reinforcing my belief in the value of mentorship and wisdom offered by those with more experience.
APPLICATION: Have you ever ignored advice and later regretted it? Being teachable is important at any age. Growing as a man or woman of God involves seeking knowledge, accountability, and accepting challenging counsel. How is God challenging you today? Are you open to His teachings and the help He provides?
PRAYER: God, we thank You for Your wise counsel, for You are the Wonderful Counselor. Grow in us a teachable spirit to discern Your voice and to act obediently when You call us to step out faithfully. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?