Arrogance and ignorance go hand in hand they say. Or, Ignorance is Bliss. I believe the first one, but the second is misleading. It’s somewhat akin to the lie our parents always told us (at least, mine did), “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me“. That’s just not true. Words can cut to the core in irreparable ways, where bumps and bruises fade away quickly.
It’s just too easy to think we are right – justified – in the know. That our opinion is superior to another person. Yet, there is a right time to be wrong, and that is when you have a teachable heart. It’s important to acknowledge when we are wrong. Recently I was asked, “do you not believe … anymore”? I had to admit that no…I didn’t believe that idea anymore, that I had been wrong, grossly wrong.
Who wants to be wrong? And who wants to admit they were wrong?
Well, if you are serious about continuing your growth as a person, adult, parent, spouse, friend, leader, pastor, you must know when to admit, I was wrong. This is crucial, positive and a natural result of effective growth!
This comes from having an open mind and exploring the words of others. In my previous religious affiliation, what you ingested, (free thought disallowed) what you read, listened to, etc, was carefully guarded. So much so that the leader(s) didn’t want you following, conversing and studying other leaders, even of their own ilk, but especially other denomination leaders. Why?
Comedian Jeff Allen (good clean Christian comedian) was joking about his new wife not allowing him to take naps, and his line was ‘God forbid I’m allowed to sleep at any one time during this marriage, it’s much harder to manipulate a rational, well-rested man.’ (Sorry ladies!)
You see, ignorance is only bliss to the ones keeping you ignorant. To you, the opportunity for life to send you a wake-up call is dangerous and can be faith breaking. When reality doesn’t match the painting, confusing settles in. For instance, during Bible College, I asked an instructor who was very much in favor of the Ignorance is Bliss model, especially for his children, this simple question.
“When walking in a desert – would you like to know, or have your children know, where the sinking sand is? Or would you rather them not know that there is sinking sand in life?”
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! – Romans 11:30, KJV
My friends, it will be impossible to always be right! Embrace that others may know what you do not and that you may know what they do not. Share, live in grace, peace, hope, and love removed from judgementalism! I used to believe (as I was taught for 15 years) that wearing short sleeve shirts was wicked and that caused me to judge others unnecessarily.
That is a silly example to 99.9% of the world, but it was true. Admitting I was wrong allowed me to open myself to people I would normally have tried to steer clear from. Great gain has come from admitting I was wrong and I pray we all learn that the only real right, rests in Jesus, His Word, and His Ways.
“Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart
And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him,
And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord [with reverent awe and obedience] and turn [entirely] away from evil.” – Proverbs 3:5-7, AMP
God Bless – and go be wrong some times!
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