“You’re so hardheaded.”
“Why are you being so defensive?”
Has anyone ever said those things to you? You’re not alone. If I had a dollar for every time someone hit me with one of those lines, I’d probably never have to work again. But over time, I began to realize those statements weren’t just people being critical—they were pointing to something deeper that God wanted me to see. I wasn’t teachable. After a while, folks stopped offering advice or trying to pour into me because I’d either push back, shut down, or explain everything away. It wasn’t until I hit some real-life roadblocks that I started seeing where I was wrong. Growth came when I stopped being defensive and started being reflective. That’s when God started dealing with me.
Rebellion doesn’t always come with loud disobedience. Sometimes it shows up as quiet resistance. It’s a brick wall that says, “God, keep out. I can handle this.” When we refuse correction, we’re saying we know better than Him. Nobody enjoys being told they’re wrong; it goes against our pride. But the truth is, spiritual growth takes humility. It takes strength to sit with a word that convicts you instead of brushing it off. Proverbs 15:32 (NLT) lays it out clearly: “If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.” God’s correction isn’t rejection—it’s redirection. He’s trying to get us aligned, not torn down.
Some of us have been praying for elevation but haven’t passed the test of correction. God won’t promote what He can’t correct. That goes for callings, relationships, and even blessings. We want the “next,” but we don’t want the pruning. Hebrews 12:11 reminds us that “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” Teachable hearts are the soil where God’s wisdom grows. The more we allow Him to prune, the more we make room for fruit.
Philippians 1:6 (NLT) says, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” What’s a short translation of this extraordinary truth? We’re a work in progress, and that progress includes correction. We don’t graduate from being molded. It’s an ongoing process of shedding pride, letting go of the need to always be right, and learning how to sit with the discomfort of being stretched. The process may not feel good—but it’s working for your good.
So, ask yourself honestly—are you teachable? Can God check you without you running off offended? Can the Holy Spirit show you your blind spots without you explaining them away? Being teachable doesn’t mean being weak; it means being wise. It means understanding that God disciplines those He loves, and every correction is an invitation to become more like Christ. Don’t let pride rob you of your growth. Let God shape you, stretch you, and sharpen you—because that’s where transformation truly begins.
Prayer:
Dear Perfect and Holy Father, thank You for loving me enough to correct me. Help me to lay bare before you, to lay down my pride and receive Your instruction with a humble heart. Soften the areas in me that resist change and open my ears to hear when You speak—even through others. Teach me to be still, to reflect, and to grow. Mold me into who You’ve called me to be. In the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, Amen. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Are You Teachable”, written by KLizzie, edited by Reverend Fran Mack, for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2025. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.