UNTEACHABLE SPIRIT.

I have often wondered why some people get through a divorce easier than others. I have seen so many people who abandoned their family, getting stuck in life unable to go anywhere. They are desperately unhappy and yet unable to do anything about it. At the same time those who have been abandoned just can’t seem to move on. I started comparing people with each other and I realised the ones who can’t seem to move on had all one thing in common; An Unteachable Spirit.

I remember when I started going for counselling I was told that the reason I was doing so well was because I had a teachable spirit. So what does a person with a teachable spirit look like?

·         They are open to other people. They built relationships.

·         They accept themselves and has a desire to grow personally and spiritually

·         They are inquisitive people that can sort, process, and integrate information.

·         They have an appreciation of the nature of Scripture and God’s wisdom.

·         They have a desire to pursue valuable goals.

·         They have a desire to learn and change.

·         They are humble people, willing to listen.

·         They can admit their limitations.

·         They are willing to move out of their comfort zone.

·         They don’t give up hope.

·         They take criticism positively.

·         They are willing to look at another point of view.

So what does an unteachable spirit look like?

·         They are full of pride.

·         They consider themselves to know it all.

·         They do not submit to authority, they are rebellious.

·         They are insecure people and do not accept themselves.

·         They are angry people. They are touchy, sensitive people.

·         They are poor listeners.

·         They are unyielding, judgemental, and head-strong.

·         They compromise but only to further their own selfish needs.

·         They are irresponsible people.

·         They possess a spirit of fear.

·         They are envious people – always wanting what others have.

·         They are dishonest people – false humility and stretching/covering the truth.

·         The have a spirit of unbelief. They have no peace and faith in God.

·         They have a lack of concern for others.

·         They are selfish people. They love themselves and money. They want to be comfortable.

·         They won’t do research/read unless it is to support their own views.

·         They don’t except responsibility for their own failures, always blaming someone else.

·         They don’t seek/accept one-to-one guidance.

·         They don’t take criticism without retaliating.

·         They have one view and that is the right view. If they don’t like your viewpoint they will simply discredit you.

What can you expect when you allow an unteachable spirit to operate in your life?

·         There is little or no growth in your live.

·         You refused to be ministered.

·         You will probably isolate yourself from the Christian community.

·         You will surround yourself with people who have lost touch with the true realities of this world.

·         You lose the chance to have a truly meaningful relationship with God.

 Where does an unteachable spirit come from?

Self-Centeredness!

Self-centeredness, as opposed to Christ-centeredness, creates in a person a spirit of pride, from which comes an

·         unteachable spirit,

·         a spirit of control,

·         a judgemental spirit and

·         a rebellious spirit.

Usually if one of these spirits is present the others usually will also be present. When these spirits begins to manifest, it opens up the door for the Jezebel and Ahab spirit, who always bring their idols along with them. And with idols always comes sexual immorality, which brings about an abandonment of oneself to fleshly pleasures, drawing the person even further away from God. This will end in someone hardening their heart.

The truly sad thing about this is that in the end the person only hurts himself. They end up lonely and bitter people. If you recognise any of these signs in your life, go on your knees and ask God to break the chains that’s keeping you in bondage. Remember this is a spiritual attack on you and you can only break it through spiritual means.

In the words of the song Amazing Grace you can also find release and freedom.

Amazing Grace Lyrics

John Newton (1725-1807)
Stanza 6 anon.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

My chains are gone, I’ve been set free.

My God my savior, has ransom me.

And like a flood, His mercy rains.

unending love, amazing grace.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.