Willing to Be Taught

There is a special kind of discomfort that comes when someone gently shows you that you were not as right as you thought. It can make you defensive, embarrassed, or eager to explain yourself. Most of us would rather be affirmed than corrected. But sometimes the mercy of God comes to you in the form of a quiet conversation.

Apollos was not careless or cold. He was gifted, sincere, and serious about Scripture. The bible says he was “eloquent” and “competent in the Scriptures” (Acts 18:24). Even more, he taught “accurately the things concerning Jesus”, yet there was still a gap. So when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, “they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26). That little phrase matters. They did not shame him in public. And he did not resist them in pride. He allowed himself to be helped.

One precious thing we learnt this Sunday is: maturity is not just knowing much; it is being teachable. Remember: “He allowed himself to be taken aside" This is actually harder than it sounds. When you have a strong opinion, a long history, or a respected place among others, humility can feel costly. But God often deepens you through brothers and sisters who can see what you cannot. Sometimes the next step in your growth is not more confidence in your own judgment, but more openness to loving correction.

And notice what happened after Apollos received that help: he became even more useful. Being corrected did not shrink his ministry; it strengthened it. Humility did not weaken him. It made him fruitful. When you let the Lord teach you, through his Word and through his people, you do not lose yourself; instead, you become more fitted for his work.

This week, try asking the Lord to make you both gentle enough to receive correction and loving enough to give it well.