Are You Approachable? by Michael Bleecker

Are You Approachable?: "


I’ve been thinking about how well I receive advice, ideas, and correction from others.

When approached by a member of our church or cornered by an enthusiastic musician who has an idea about how I can do things differently (“better” may be a more appropriate word here), or when I hear those horrifying words, “We need to talk,” from my wife, how do I receive such advice, ideas, and/or correction?

Pride or wisdom?

How do you receive advice, ideas or correction from others that may threaten your style of music, your specific way of doing something, or a decision you made that may have not been the best?

Do you thoughtlessly reject others or do you respond with humility?

Scripture gives us wisdom regarding this:

• “By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.” – Proverbs 13:10

• “A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.” – Proverbs 17:10

Andrew Murray writes:

All want of love, all indifference to the needs, the feelings, the weakness of others; all sharp and hasty judgments and utterances, so often excused under the plea of being outright and honest; all manifestations of temper and touchiness and irritation; all feelings of bitterness and estrangement, have their root in nothing but pride, that ever seeks itself.

Pride will bring destruction by isolating us from others who love us. We will become an island that can’t be challenged by others.

Approachability through Scripture

A good step toward approachability is to memorize the following Scripture passages and use them in times where pride creeps in:

• “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” – Proverbs 19:20

• “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:3–4

• “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” – Proverbs 11:2

• “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you…” –1 Peter 5:5–6

If you believe any man is an island, you’re doomed to be stranded

Pride will bring destruction by isolating us from others who love us. We will become an island that can’t be challenged by others. We need to remember that we are not as smart, experienced, or humble as we think.

Be teachable. Be humble. Be approachable."