Avoid Being the Ignorant Voice in Your Group Chat

We all have opinions. Often, we believe our thoughts are well-informed and valuable, and we’re eager to share them whenever the opportunity arises. But what if we’re mistaken? What if our beliefs, though held with conviction, are fundamentally flawed?

To grow in wisdom and to renew our minds as instructed in Romans 12:2, we must be willing to lay aside opinions that have been proven weak, mistaken, or simply incorrect. Holding onto flawed opinions can stifle our intellectual and spiritual growth.

We acknowledge that not every opinion is sound, but we usually recognize this only in others. Rarely do we hear someone admit, "Here’s what I think, but I could be wrong." Yet, embracing this humility is crucial for cultivating wisdom. How we view our own assumptions can significantly influence the quality of our opinions. Here are five tips to help Christians form more informed and thoughtful opinions.

1. Be Curious and Skeptical

Curiosity and skepticism are essential tools for developing sound opinions. There is nothing wrong with asking questions, even of yourself. A healthy dose of skepticism helps ensure that your opinions are well-founded by poking and prodding them from all angles.

Skepticism isn’t synonymous with cynicism. It’s a way for wise individuals to engage with ideas critically, acknowledging that they, too, are susceptible to faulty conclusions. Faith doesn’t require a blind leap into the unknown; instead, it invites us to take a reasoned step forward, informed by both faith and intellect.

Just as you would encourage a non-Christian friend to reconsider their assumptions, you should be willing to question your own beliefs. We often assume that our theological or political views are correct simply because they align with our background or experiences. However, it’s important to recognize that we might be wrong, and that’s okay.

2. Embrace Being Wrong

In debates, it’s rare to hear someone say, “I hadn’t considered that perspective. I need to think about it.” Instead, most people focus on defending their position, fearing the embarrassment of being wrong. However, true wisdom values enlightenment over esteem. A wise person can hold strong convictions while remaining open to correction.

For Christians, this can be particularly challenging because we often believe our convictions are biblically grounded and therefore beyond question. But it’s crucial to understand that our interpretations of Scripture can be mistaken. Sincere, godly people often disagree on doctrinal issues, and intellectual honesty requires us to acknowledge the possibility of error in our own beliefs.

A study from the Barna Group found that 44% of practicing Christians believe that their faith should influence their opinions on social issues, yet only 17% reported changing their opinions after engaging with someone who held a different view. This statistic underscores the importance of being willing to change our minds when confronted with new evidence or perspectives.

3. Be Discerning with Information

In the age of social media, misinformation spreads quickly. A striking example is a poorly doctored image of Hillary Clinton shaking hands with Osama bin Laden that circulated online, warning voters against supporting her. The image was clearly fake, but it gained traction because it aligned with certain preconceived notions.

This phenomenon is known as confirmation bias, where we favor information that confirms our existing beliefs and dismiss what contradicts them. The internet, particularly through algorithms on platforms like Google and Facebook, often reinforces this bias by curating content that aligns with our views. This can create an echo chamber, limiting our exposure to diverse perspectives.

To form credible opinions, we must seek out information that challenges our viewpoints. This doesn’t mean simply reading opinions that agree with ours, but actively engaging with perspectives that differ. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of biased assimilation and develop a more well-rounded understanding of the issues at hand.

4. Allow Your Perspective to Evolve

Nothing is more frustrating than a teenager who’s just learned to drive and suddenly becomes an expert on all the rules of the road. With their newfound knowledge, they are quick to correct others, forgetting that experience teaches more than a manual ever could. Over time, driving becomes second nature, and the rigid rules learned as a novice give way to a more intuitive understanding.

Christianity can be similar. When we are new to the faith, our understanding of Christ may be rigid and rule-bound. But as we walk with Him longer, our relationship deepens, and our perspectives mature. This maturity should bring humility, recognizing that our understanding is continually evolving.

As we grow, we should become less dogmatic about our opinions, knowing that some of our beliefs will change over time. This humility allows us to engage with others more graciously, understanding that we, too, are on a journey of growth.

A survey by Lifeway Research found that 78% of Christians believe that spiritual growth is an ongoing process throughout their lives. This suggests that many believers understand the importance of allowing their faith and perspectives to mature over time.

5. Strive for Objectivity

Every piece of information we process is filtered through our unique experiences—our family background, culture, education, and more. We like to think that our conclusions are the result of careful consideration, while those who disagree with us are simply misinformed. However, we must recognize that we are all biased in some way.

Becoming more objective starts with accepting the complexity of life’s issues. When we acknowledge our limitations, we become more cautious about the conclusions we draw. Objectivity requires us to weigh all available information, not just what supports our preconceived notions.

Proverbs 18:2 aptly states, “Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.” If our goal is simply to express our opinions, then any opinion will suffice. But if we genuinely seek understanding, we must be intentional about how we form our beliefs.

In the end, the path to wisdom involves a willingness to challenge our assumptions, admit when we’re wrong, and continually seek truth. Let us strive to be known not for our stubbornness, but for our pursuit of understanding, humility, and grace.

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