Is it better to teach or learn?

Let's explore:  I was having a conversation today with a coworker about the importance of realizing a lack of knowledge on a subject, being humble enough to admit it, and giving up one's pride enough to phone in all the knowledge of those with more experience.  I made the comment that those who can admit, "My best is not good enough, I still need to learn more," will continue to grow and impress with their ability because they are open to new knowledge, and humble enough to admit their shortcomings. We were referring to the floral industry, but I couldn't help but think about how this applies to our relationship with Christ. 

Sometimes we as "churched people" see ourselves as experts on all things Christianity.  If someone were to have a question, comment, or concern about Christianity we usually immediately chime into the conversation with a comment of our own, an answer, or advise.  While this may be helpful in some sense we are told to "be quick to listen and slow to speak" (James 1:19).  

As I thought about being a student of Christ and what it really means, I formed a mental picture of those who are eager to learn.  They are sitting at the feet of Jesus, the ultimate teacher, with open minds and eager hearts.  They let Jesus fill their hearts with what He would fill them with: knowledge, love, and  understanding.  Then I see the category of people I too often fall into; those of us who would place ourselves between Christ and those so eager to listen.  If we as the "know-it-alls" would just sit our booties down and open our hearts up in the fashion that a baby bird opens its mouth desperately for food, we would receive many more blessings than we do when we try to fabricate and grab them for ourselves.

Teachers can only teach what knowledge they contain in their heads and hearts already.  In order to truly help others grow teachers must grow daily in the Word as well.  

We are to be hungry for the things Christ has prepared for us.  We are to be thirsty for his water of life.  We are to be open to his leading.  We are to be desperate. 

I looked up the word DESPERATE online and these are the things I came up with.  

1. Having lost all hope; despairing.

-Haven't we lost all hope without Christ?

 

2. Marked by, arising from, or showing despair: the desperate look of hunger; a desperate cry for help.

-We cry out for the help of our Savior.

3. Undertaken out of extreme urgency or as a last resort.

- Most people see Christ as the last resort, when, in fact, he is the only resort. 

4. Nearly hopeless; critical: a desperate illness; a desperate situation.

-We are in a hopeless state without Christ.

My prayer for my walk in Christ is to become more and more desperate for Him every day and live less and less on my own understanding.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6

Other scripture on the topic:

Proverbs 4:1 (Whole Chapter)
Hear, ye children the instruction of a father, and attend to know understandng.
Jeremiah 4:22 (Whole Chapter)
For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.