To be teachable means to be willing to be taught something. It means more than having the capability of learning, but rather an eagerness to learn something new. While that may sound easy there are a number of things that can keep us from being teachable. I want to spend this article looking at some barriers that keep us from being teachable, and the next article looking at solutions to help us be more teachable. So here are some barriers that keep us from being teachable:

Pride.

Pride is thinking too highly of one's self. Pride is arrogance. Pride is boasting. Pride says that "I am always right." Obviously pride is the biggest barrier here. We can't be teachable and prideful at the same time. Many times our inflated view of ourselves, and our desire to be right keeps us from being teachable.

Emotions.

Many times our emotions won't let us be teachable. There are emotions and memories tied to certain teachings that keep us from changing our minds. Sometimes we lean so heavily on how we feel that we ignore the facts. But feelings and emotions can be a barrier to learning new things.

History.

Sometimes we've been engrained in something for so long that we can't see any other way. Our past can keep us from learning new things. Sometimes we have to unlearn things that weren't right in order to learn the things that are right. Our history can be a barrier that keeps us from learning new things.

The reality is that Jesus wants us to be moldable and teachable and willing to learn. He can't shape us if we're not willing to change. So I ask the question again: Are you teachable? Are you willing to learn? Jesus wants to mold you into something great, but are you willing to be molded?

- Kolton Ballance