Do you make decisions based on emotions? Like do you see that commercial about starving dogs with sad puppy eyes and rush to give your credit card information over the phone? Or do you look up where your money really goes and see that the CEO gets most of your money and like 2 cents of every dollar actually goes to saving those starving dogs?
I will admit I am very guilty of siding with emotional decision making, but I have found that when I have an emotional response I need to hold off for at least one day before I make a decision or respond to some unhinged angry person. By then I have had time to look at whatever it is with a more rational mindset, but it does take practice. Most of the time no response is the best response.
“Rationality involves making decisions and drawing conclusions based on facts, evidence, and sound reasoning.”
When I get involved now I have ask more questions like:
Who or what is behind it?
Is it a social movement?
Is it a political movement?
Is it a faith movement?
Where does the funding come from?
What is the role of the movement?
Now, think on these a bit as I have found myself entrenched in the muck and mire of legislation. I have discovered 3 things:
***public trust in perceived expertise is a slippery slope to bad decisions
***professionals justify and implement its policies in a language of compassion
***mixing psychological and social forces with the political is a toxic brew
The best place to go when trying to navigate this irrational emotional hotbed of decision making is to read through how Jesus told and showed people how to make sound decisions both mentally and spiritually.
The Bible doesn't explicitly tell people to think rationally in a direct command, several passages and teachings implicitly encourage rational thought and understanding of the world. Jesus' ministry often involved using parables and reasoning with people to help them understand spiritual truths.
-Proverbs encourages us to seek wisdom and understanding by applying reasoning to the knowledge of life
-Bible states “prove all things,” “test all things,” “hold fast to that which is good,” so implies the need for discernment and critical thinking about what is true and what is false
-Bible encourages people to seek the truth and understanding which requires reasoning and a willingness to examine evidence
-Faith is often a belief in things unseen, but the Bible also emphasizes the importance of understanding and having a reasoned basis for faith
-Ethical conduct is a rational principle often taught in the Bible
-The Bible teaches that people should not simply draw conclusions, but work through the evidence the Bible provides
Today, we all need this more than ever, so pray you listen to Jesus who emphasizes the importance of renewing one’s mind and directing thoughts towards things that are true, honorable, and pure. He also highlights the need to guard your heart and take captive negative thoughts, so keep your mind focused on God and His will.
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Blessings to you all,
dreamsdontfade.com (Will be posting on the latest book I read this week)
I love CeCe Winan’s voice. This song was the highlight of church this week. Such a powerhouse that ignites worship with “Worthy Of It All”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzZSrOPeolc
