The Unpredictable Lesson

“You just think you know it all! Smartie-pants!” These are familiar words spoken by children on playgrounds, in households, and backyards. They are cruel words and yet often full of absolute truth –  no one likes a Know-It-All.

There is a common mindset among many of the successful that simply states, “I’ve finally arrived; I am the best.” Prideful looks and haughty spirits cause Big-I-Little-You relationships that crush and belittle the Little-Yous that are simply trying to do the best they can with what they know. The title ‘Amateur’ is whispered while ‘Professional’ is plastered on business cards, office doors, and signature-lines. Stature is often weighed by the number of titles and degrees behind or in front your name.

A subtle version of this is sometimes found buried in the hearts of teachers, preachers, parents and mentors – leaders – that says, “I know what I’m doing; I don’t need any help. I’ll do it my way.” But do we really know it all? Stop and for sixty seconds just asked yourself that question. Seriously… stop.

It’s hard. It’s pointed. It kills our pride and brings us back to our humanity. We aren’t perfect, and none of us have really arrived. I can’t recall one person who has the magic formula for getting prayers answered every single time. I don’t know anyone who knows the will of God for every situation. I don’t know of a perfect pray-er. Prayer isn’t something you attain, it’s something you do; it’s communication with God, and sometimes the answers are unpredictable.

I don’t have all the answers. I don’t know everything and when I think I know much I find that I know less than I did before… yet, I am a teacher –  a leader. How can I teach a prayer ministry or how can I lead kids if I don’t know what to do in every situation? I lead by praying for God’s wisdom, putting myself in tune with God’s Spirit and sharing what He’s given me. I open my mind and heart and allow God to lead me, and then I lead others.

When was the last time you asked God to teach you something? When was the last time you asked God, or even another mentor in your life how you were doing and if there was anything you could  do better? Do you even have a mentor or do you “know-it-all” already and don’t have the need to change anything? When was the last time you listened to someone else with a genuine spirit of openness and tried to learn? Ask yourself: “Can I lay aside what I think I know, and learn it all over again? Can I do it better? What do YOU think about what I’m doing, God?”

I asked God again tonight because I still don’t know it all, and probably know less now than when I started writing this article. I prayed this simple prayer:

I am human. I am so far from perfect.
I have learned much during the years I’ve walked with you, but I still don’t have all the answers.
I’m sorry for the pride I’ve had at times, thinking I knew the right things to say or do
I often acted without even seeking your opinion
Teach me again. If I am going to teach others then help me to know Truth as you have given it and not just what others have said
Help me to hear your voice above all the noise and voices
I want to do it right. I want to do it effectively. I want to do it your way.
Give me wisdom, above wealth, prestige, popularity, or accolades.
Speak to me again.

Life and humanity are unpredictable, but God is not. Ask His opinion; you might learn something that you can teach others.