The “Sponge” and the “Mule”

 

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.”

—Psalm 32:8-9

As a teacher, I have seen many “sponges” and many “mules.” Unfortunately, teachers spend far more time fretting about how to approach the “mules,” win them over to learning, and control their negative behaviors. Sometimes the teacher changes tactics and wins not only the “mules” with new excitement, but the “sponges,” as well.

Far too often, though, the “mules” weigh us down and no matter how many hours we’ve planned or how ingenious our lessons, they refuse to cooperate.

Many years ago, the song, “Swinging on a Star” became popular by Bing Crosby. You could either decide to “be better off than you are” or play the negative role of mule, pig, or fish. About the mule, the lyrics say:

A mule is an animal with long funny ears
Kicks up at anything he hears
His back is brawny but his brain is weak
He's just plain stupid with a stubborn streak
And by the way, if you hate to go to school
You may grow up to be a mule ^¹

Teachers love “sponges.” These students show eager delight in learning. They ask questions, read their assignments, love their teachers. Teachers mentor these kind of learners and pour themselves into loving and specially designing lessons for their abilities and unique qualities.

According to Psalm 32, God too loves to instruct, guide, counsel, and watch over “sponges.” He sees the teachable spirit and mentors those who readily come to Him for instruction in righteousness. There grows a bond of fellowship and deep knowing between Teacher and student.

What a wonderful offer comes to us from God’s desire to lead and teach us His ways. But, how heartsick He must become when we rebel against His careful and loving instruction. Check yourself for the way in which God must look at you when it comes to sitting at His feet.

When Jesus visited the home of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, as recorded in Luke 10:38-42, He told Martha that Mary chose the one thing needed:

“Mary has chosen what is better, [sitting at His feet], and it will not be taken away from her.”

When report cards come out, would it not please us more to have the Lord commend us, rather than to hear the kind of comment He made about Martha’s attitude?

Pray that when the Master Teacher wants to teach you, you will receive His instruction like a “sponge” rather than a “mule”—that you will delight His teacher’s heart with a “sponge-like” eagerness to learn from Him the lessons He has for you.

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1 Burke, Johnny (music) and Jimmy Van Heusen (lyrics) Swinging on a Star, © 1944 as recorded by Bing Crosby on Decca Records Disc No. 18597 and as sung by Bing Crosby in the motion picture Going My Way. Music Manuscript published: New York: Bourne Company, 1944.