To be honest it just bugs me. It is the ever-present message or implied message throughout our society that is so tempting to me. We use it to divide, prove, tear down, and destroy.
For years I have watched myself and the world around me find we are possessed with being right!
As I have aged, I have learned to lean into asking more questions than giving answers. Sure at 60 there are facts of life I know but, as Walt Witman says “Stay curious not judgmental.” It is hard, to shy away from thinking I understand ‘why’ someone does something or believes something that does not make sense. With the gift of years I’ve found myself tempted to base my worth on knowing a thing.
- When I ask myself why being right is important, I get the following answers.
- I need to be right because I am so insecure.
- I want to be right because my tribe or those around me will see me as superior.
- I crave being right because I get a MAJOR endorphin hit.
- I identify with being right because our society values it.
- I lust for it because someone convinced me it is Godly.
In my answers I find shame.
It seems unconscionable but even our churches have taken ‘being right’ to the brink. We are purposely building a congregation of ‘we’re right you’re wrong’ thinking people. Though we attempt to justify our stance we accomplish nothing more than wiring our brains to live in a judgmental mindset of us vs. them.
Why are we doing this and where is this going to lead?
I think one answer is because we are scared. If we can cling to enough people who believe like we believe then it makes us feel more secure about the unknowns. Most notably, death. We are so hell-bent, no pun intended, on fire insurance, that we have missed the point. If I understand a little of the scriptures Jesus died to give us Life. That seems to cover more than the eternal ‘dodge of the conflagration plan.’
It is easier to stand on the platform of ‘I am right’ vs. ‘There is something here I need to learn.’
I have been working in a professional business environment for over 25 years. I have lost count of how many interviews I have conducted. Near the start of my career, I created my own set of questions. I start through normal business questions then come at the candidate sideways with “Do you think there is intelligent life in outer space.” You always get good answers from that one and it shows me how they react to unexpected situations.
But the most important question that I ask all the time is, “what’s more important, intelligence or humility?”
- Humility is the hinge that swings open life’s doors of opportunities.
- Humility is not a weakness; it is a superpower.
- Humility invites others to let down their guard.
- Humility encourages others to a life of realness.
I wonder if wearing the garb of humility is not more important than standing on the stage of, right? I know the obvious is there is a right way to fly a plane, drive a car, build a house and live a good Christian life. I just wonder if it does us any good lording bring right over everyone around us.
Colossians 3:11-12 says, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”.
Peace on your journey.
