It’s not the words on the page that is as important as the mind-set reading them.
We “see” what our mind-set wants to see.
If our mind-set is tradition we will stay in the box set by “authorities” and nullify truth.
If our mind-set is pride, we will see ourselves as the good guys in the story and others as outsiders.
If our mind-set is comparing with others we will see ourselves as better or worse than “them.”
If our mind-set is legalism, we will judge and exclude others by our selective rules.
If our mind-set is impressing others, we will read to show off our knowledge.
If our mind-set is looking good we will concentrate on image and miss reality.
If our mind-set is vengeance, we will use the words as a weapon to get even.
If our mind-set is rejection, we will see condemnation in the words.
If our mind-set is a lust for power, we will use the words to control others.
If our mind-set is love we will use the words to comfort others.
If out mind-set is encouragement, we will use the words to give hope.
If our mind-set is hearing truth, we will stay learners and listen.
If our mind-set is to learn, we will let the word speak instead of speaking to the words.
If out mind-set is arrogance, we become “know-it-alls.”
If our mind-set is humility we know we have more to learn and get “rest of the story.”
If our mind-set is to discover, we take the risks of adventure and break from the crowd.
If our mind-set is to label others, we will imprison them in groups and miss the person.
If our mind-set is political power, we use the words to destroy “them” and promote “us.”
If our mind-set is compassion, we will use words to help not to hurt.
If our mind-set is empathy, we will see hearts instead of brands.
If our mind-set is to “see-through,” we will not just “look at.”
As William Blake wrote,
“This Life’s dim Windows of the Soul
Distorts the Heavens from Pole to Pole
And leads you to believe a lie
When you see with, not through, the Eye.”
So… The glasses you put on before you read the words are far more important than the words you are reading.
How can we develop a good mind-set? Here is the advice of a man who broke out of his cell of religious bondage in the joy of ever-expanding truth: “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… and the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil 4:8-9 ESV)
And he said, “To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” (Rom 8:6-7 ESV)
When we listen to the Spirit of Truth whisper in our ears while we read, we will come to the proper mind-set and know what the words are really saying.
Maybe then we can dissolve some polarization.
Maybe then we will see all people as gifts from God.
Maybe then we will connect in God’s universal law of unity.
Just dreaming on a beautiful Colorado morning, but dreams can come true.
At least it can start with two… me and you.
I’ve been considering how to respond to a freind who lied to me. A bald faced one used to manipulate my emotions and relationship with him. The word that stood out to me in the above is ‘encourage’. I’m praying how to address the lying and still be encouraging.