I Want To Be A Learner

By Challi Barnhurst, 2025

Have you ever been in a group of people, sharing an experience together?  Each of us relate differently, depending on comfort level, style of relational interaction, and interest in involvement. 

I imagine there are many aspects that one could ponder when observing group dynamics.  There is one that I am becoming more aware of in myself that I want to explore in the following paragraphs.  

When I enter into interaction with others, what is my intent?  What am I interested in accomplishing?  Honestly, I have recently become aware of the fact that many times I enter into interaction with an instructive mindset.  Although instruction is good in its rightful place, I think that there is greater value in the adoption of a mindset of a learner, a student.  

When I come to a situation with a belief that I have answers, this mindset can be blinding and restrictive.  Though I have experiences that are valuable and helpful to others, this does not need to be the basis of communication.  What if my goal in the interaction is to discover the other person’s perspective?  What if my intention is to learn from God through every individual I encounter? 

When I am in the position of learner, my attitude can be humble, ready to hear words that I may not understand, willing to consider a different way of thinking.  The precursor to this position is an understanding and comfort of who I am created to be.  If I am insecure in myself and the identity that God has shared with me, that I am His daughter, precious in His sight, then I have great difficulty in taking the position of learner.  Not knowing can feel pretty scary in the presence of insecurity.  Being securely vulnerable opens the door to discovery, a true joy to the heart of a learner. 

I notice this position of learner was taken by Jesus while He was here on earth.  He was a constant learner of the will of His Father.  They were synonymous in purpose.  

In the second chapter of Philippians, there is a description of Jesus’ perspective.  Though He was in the form of God, He didn’t use this position to plunder situations, but emptied Himself, took on the form of a slave, being very humble, even to the point of death.  I wonder at this passage.  The depth of trust in His Fathers identification of Him and the freedom He possessed to take such a humble position is a valuable lesson from which I have much to learn.

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me.” Matthew 11.28, 29.  

This invitation I have found new meaning in, as I focus my mind on the word: learn.  What is it that I can learn today as I come to Jesus?  In every relational interaction, what can I learn about the other person?

When I open my eyes

I become blind to realize

That the picture I see

Is painted by me.

The colors I use

Are ones that I choose.

And real is as real

As how I think and I feel.

But there's a different view

It is completely new:

I want to be a learner,

A humble witness, a discerner.

Stop jumping to conclusions,

Leave the maze of delusions.

Jesus, draw me to your side,

In Your eyes may my vision reside.

I want to be a learner right now,

To humbly engage - Jesus,  show me how.