3:353 – You Might Be Wrong

#faithbites #faithjourney might

Setting

While this #faithbites is titled, “You Might Be Wrong”, I could have easily titled it, “There is more than one way to skin a cat”. (I’ve never understood that expression but oh well). As a consumer of a lot of news and interacting with people, I see so many times that when someone is so sure of their position that they can’t even think they might be wrong. Or, it’s not that they may be wrong, but that the “other side” may have equal arguments, or that there really isn’t another side just a more nuanced discussion.

Take the COVID-19 vaccine. There are people, like me, who say give it to me now and there are others who say no way I will ever take it as it is unproven, unsafe, linked to Bill Gates, and has microtrackers in it. (And yes, there are people across the spectrum). The thing is, when you are so sure of your opinion, you cna close of discussion and not even see that there could be more out there.

Take my religion. I grew up Jewish and never thought I would ever change from it. Why? It was all I knew and saw so many faults with everything else. But, being open, I saw that there was room to grow, learn, and understand.

While this #faithbites is titled, “You Might Be Wrong”, we could add “You Might Not Be” or “It’s not all or nothing”, or “and that’s ok”. We need to be more open minded, more nuanced, and more understanding.

The beauty of our country is we don’t have to all agree on everyone. Also, we know that God made us unique and different ensuring we wouldn’t agree on everything but we could agree on core principles. To do that, we need to be more humble, more open, and more forgiving.

Are you ready to admit you might be wrong?

Scripture

• Romans 12:2 – Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
• Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
• John 8:32 – And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Reflection

God challenges us to not be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewal of our mind. That means that we need to search, grow, and discern the will of God, not our will. That is often hard as we are stuck in our ways even if we are wrong. Admitting it is a challenge. One day at a time. We see in both Philippians and Romans to search for the truth that is in God. Only then, as we see in John, will we be set free.

It’s hard to admit that you are wrong. I am getting better at it but it’s still a challenge. Part of the problem is when we admit me are wrong, some see it as a chance to pounce. In other words, kick you when you are down. Some, see being wrong as being untrustworthy. We need to work towards sharing Gods word, understanding when we are right because of his word, or when we are wrong because too much of us got in the way.

Imagine, just for a second, that 2020 odd years ago, you were a member of the Jewish faith and word of a new Savior came. Or if you were a Christian 500 or so years ago and an upstart Monk posted the truth about the Bible and God’s forgiveness. Would you accept it? Would you be able to admit that what you believed may be wrong? These aren’t easy questions to answer. It’s not about being right or wrong, it’s being open to discuss, grow, learn, and seek God’s guidance.

Challenge

I’ve made this challenge before, but it’s a good one. Find someone who disagrees with you on something. Enter into a discussion in the name of Jesus with love and understanding to find out why they believe what they believe and seek God’s guidance. It doesn’t have to be a heavy topic, just start somewhere.

Prayer

Father God, you gave us intelligence, free will, and the voice to debate. Often we use that to stick to what we believe even if we might be wrong. Help us to see those areas where we are wrong or if there is a nuance we are missing. Be with us as we try to expand our minds to see where the other person comes from. You want us to live in harmony and that harmony comes from understanding and mutual growth. Lord, we ask for your strength, your perseverance, and support as we try to think in new ways and grow. We pray all these things in your name, Amen.