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It is a tragic predicament of our souls to lose our ability to consider another way or another idea and change if and when change is required. The whole concept of repentance is based on the fact that we can change our minds and our ways. To be a disciple is to be a learner. To have a learning disposition is to be open to God-inspired truth wherever it may lead. The most pressing problem for our Lord's earthly ministy was a religious community ill-equipped to accept His Messianic changes. The rut of ritualism and a lamentable legalism combined to hinder the possibility of salvation for the Jews. Truth continues to be a painful pursuit, even in our day. When we get set in our ways and opinions, it is hard to open our minds to the Holy Spirit as He leads us into new and exciting ventures of faith. No doubt the greatest hindrance to our own personal growth is a lack of openness to all God's truth. Such inflexibility of thought is a subtle humanism which borders on the worship of our own mentality. Life is too big and our minds are too frail for us to rely only on our own perspectives. The holy inspired Bible is our greatest resource for studying all God would have us know. Let us not forsake its capacity to break us, mold us, and turn us in openness toward God. |
There is a terrible tendency among most of us to assume that we are always right on every issue. We give little, if any, attention to another opinion because of our dogmatic commitment to our own ideas. We are inflexible toward those with whom we disagree and sometimes suspicious of those with whom we agree. We often refuse to study the facts for fear we might have to change our position. The truth of the matter is that sometimes we even manipulate the facts to fit our own conclusions. We tie our ears to no voice except that which confirms our own prejudices. We close our minds on every topic and, in so doing, we shut out the Holy Spirit who enables us to grow in truth and grace.[Click Here] for an index of all available article clippings.