Dare to Disagree

A friend and old co-worker would always tell me I’m combative. “What color is the sky, blue?” he taunted me once. “Well technically no,” I replied, “Go ask our meteorologist.”

In conversation I often challenge people’s beliefs, even if those beliefs are ones I share. I really just enjoy looking at things from different perspectives, because that is what ultimately divides us in our views.

In college I vividly remember an activity we did for a leadership program I was part of. We were all to be in groups on a big ballroom floor. We were asked to look around and take in what you saw around you. Then, a few students at a time went up to the balcony of the room to take a look at what was happening. It was shocking to see how great your perspective and thoughts of what was happening changed when you looked from a different vantage point.

I get daily devotionals emailed to me. This morning I was all a glow when I read this line in it…

Read broadly and critically. Dare to say, “I don't agree."

(Read the full devotional here)

Don’t just agree with someone because it’s the easier thing to do. Challenge yourself and others, in their thoughts and actions. (Note: most people don’t like change so you could get some ugly responses. First respect their thoughts and ideas, then challenge.)

Questioning my own beliefs is what has ultimately made me feel more strongly about them. I had to ask myself why I believed what I did which made me re-evaluate my thoughts, but in the end I have found a deeper reasoning for each of them.

I challenge you to do the same.

#challenge #change #disagree