“He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way” (Psalm 25:9).

There is no doubt; a teachable heart is a vital prerequisite to having a proper relationship with the Lord. Yet what is it that best describes a teachable heart? Well, I’ve come to see that one word best describes a teachable heart, and that word is humility. Is that not exactly what David had in mind as he wrote Psalm 25:9?

Take a close look at the verse again. It tells us that God does two things; he leads and he teaches. He leads us on the right path and he teaches us his way. But note as well the qualifier for such leading and teaching. In both instances, it’s humility. In other words, God’s leading and teaching are predicated upon our humility, the degree to which our hearts are teachable. Would you agree that this has enormous implications for how we structure our lives?

As you know, I spend a significant amount of time each week visiting with you, one on one. The issues we discuss, anguish over, and pray about are many and varied. In some instances, there is pain due to bad choices and the damage sin brings. It always catches my attention when I visit with an individual, young or old, who refuses to change their behavior and yet still wonders why their situation is not getting better. In other words, they lack a teachable spirit, which perpetuates the consequences of their bad choices. What accounts for the absence of a teachable spirit? Pride is the culprit in every instance.

I believe there is a simple lesson in this for each of us. Humility promotes a teachable heart, which in turn leads to an obedient life, which culminates in the blessings of God. Is there an area in your life in which you need divine leading? Check your humility. Are you waiting on God to teach you something? The place to start is to gauge the depth of your humility. Humility is the starting and ending point for God’s blessings in your life. Are you willing to accept that?

But there is more to the issue of humility. Humility also serves as the catalyst for serving others. Humble people serve. They serve in the unseen areas. They serve with joy, knowing no one else sees (except God of course). I am amazed how wonderful it is to humbly serve others when no one cares to receive the credit for the service rendered. Does that describe you?

God truly leads the humble and teaches them his ways. David understood that the way of humility is the path to God’s blessings and the service of others. It’s a lesson we would all benefit from.