It saddens me that Christians have received the stereotype of being prideful, but it doesn't surprise me. Because we are Christians and we have the truth, we have been told to have an answer for everything. However, often times we give our answer without being asked. Becuase we have become so answer-oriented, we have been labeled as prideful or arrogant. So how can we break this stereotype? I believe that we have to look for ways in which we can be humbled. One of the best ways for me to do this is to ask questions.
(I really don't like the common idea that if one asks a question, it shows weakness or stupidity. I think that asking good questions is one of the greatest forms of humility.)
So what does this have to do with being proud or arrogant? It has everything to do with it. Asking questions of one's opinions or beliefs is often times the best way to prove a point...but its achieving the end goal with a humble and non-threatening means. (Socratic Method)
Example: I was talking with a girl the other day and she mentioned that an acquaintance of hers had an abortion not too long ago. Instead of me telling her my beliefs about abortion, I asked her what she thought. I suspected her answer, "I haven't really thought about it." So I asked, "Well do you think the baby is alive?" And she answered yes. Just by her realizing this fact alone, she resolved that abortion was wrong.
((of course there was more to this conversation : ))
If I had told her my opinions about abortion, they would have just been my opinions. Sometimes people need to feel like their figured something out for them to actually believe it.
*another side note, when you ask questions, the only common and natural thing is to be asked questions in return. when this happens, you have been given a foundation to give an answer.
I don't want to be viewed as prideful or arrogant. I want to be a begger that has received bread, ready to share it with everyone.
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1 comment:
amen, sister. amen.
you handled that abortion discussion beautifully.
we christians often think we know everything just because we know the one most important thing, and so we think that gives us the right to disrespect everyone else's opinion by slamming them over the head with our own.
theres few things that turn people off to christianity like pride and hypocrisy. we can do wonders for the advancement of the kingdom of God simply by respecting the dignity of our fellow human beings and their God-given right to believe what they choose. i'm not saying all beliefs are equal. i'm just saying that all people deserve to be respected for their beliefs and not looked down upon by "smarter-than-thou" christians.
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