08.04.10 The 4th Key for Evaluating a Prospective Partner's Readiness for Progress and Development

4. Does the Person Embrace Growth through Teachability and Accountability?

Observe how the prospective partner responds to feedback and correction. Does the person welcome growth through humility, teachability and accountability, treating correction as an opportunity for development; or does she or he become defensive, dismissive or shift blame when weaknesses are identified?

Asenath must have been impressed by Joseph's teachability and accountability and the associated growth that came as a result of those traits. From servant to prisoner to national administrator, the man adapted, learned and matured through challenges and setbacks. Undoubtedly, the valuable lessons he had picked up from the pit, Potiphar’s house and the prison were applied in his roles as an administrator, a husband to Asenath and a father to Manasseh and Ephraim.

Joseph must have noticed Asenath’s readiness and willingness to be teachable and accountable in order to function as his wife and the mother of Manasseh and Ephraim. She had to adopt new dietary and cultural practices, including rejecting food that had been consecrated to idols despite having been raised as the daughter of a priest. Certain practices that were normal within Egyptian life became unacceptable, while others that Egyptians considered detestable had to be accommodated within her household. For instance, Egyptians regarded shepherd-related practices and the slaughter of sheep and cattle as an abomination (Genesis 46:34), and rams were considered sacred to the god Khnum, yet Hebrews used these animals for sacrifice. As Joseph’s wife, she had to respect and function within these practices while managing a high-ranking household.

Brenda was far from being teachable or accountable. The girl would repeatedly dismiss Richard’s professional warnings about the proper construction standards. Each time something went wrong, she would call him in a panic, only to dismiss his advice as ‘too expensive’ or ‘unnecessarily complicated’. She adamantly refused to acknowledge or adjust to correction, revealing unwillingness to change her behaviour.

A progressive and development-oriented partner embraces growth through humility, teachability and accountability. Such a person is willing to recognise weaknesses, receive guidance and make adjustments that strengthen his or her personal character and relational stability.