Today’s Pondering~Everybody’s Everything…
Recently, I heard something that caused me to think a bit more than I wanted to. I watched a video that was sent to me and although I wanted to just disregard it, some of what was said made good sense. I didn’t agree with the whole thing, but there were a few valid points tucked in there. So, I figured I would talk a bit about it here. I don’t do this often, but I’m also going to share this video so that you can see why it hit me a little funny.
And, to be perfectly clear, I loathe Tik Tok. I hate these videos that attempt to make you doubt everything you know because the people pushing them don’t agree with your beliefs. These three-minute epiphanies that try to overtake any and all of the knowledge one may have gleaned from studying the Bible are dangerous to those who haven’t grown enough in their faith to prevent themselves from being tugged in one direction or another by every fanciful theory pitched at them.
It is important to hear what others are thinking and to consider it alongside your own beliefs and values to see what lines up and what doesn’t. Then you must think about why it does or doesn’t line up. And then, and only then, is it safe to either incorporate all or a portion of that new thought into what you already know or to leave that new nugget behind and move on in search of the rest of the truth.
It does no good to simply shut other ideas out because you’re sure they are on the wrong track. Part of our job as Christians is to help others find the truth and see the light of the God we love so much. We can’t ever hope to help anyone if we immediately shut out their viewpoints without first hearing and considering what they have to say.
This doesn’t mean we have to bend to every suggestion. But it does mean that we have to respect the fact that every person has a unique perspective and that those perspectives are shaped by that person’s experiences and the way they were taught (whether right or wrong). I think that’s where we miss the mark. We struggle to allow any viewpoint but our own to be the correct one in every area of our lives and thus, end up trying to dictate how someone of a completely different experience and upbringing should receive the same messages and opportunities we are sent. God’s blessings are very much tailored to each unique person’s design. And the only one that any of us should answer to is God. So, there is no good reason for anyone to look down on anyone else. Just listen, hear, and understand. And if you think someone is on the wrong track, allow them to listen, hear and understand where you’re coming from. The truth will always stick in the end. And it will more than likely be better received if it is delivered within the bounds of mutual respect.
Rebecca Benston is the owner of Higher Ground Books & Media and the author of over twenty titles currently available through Amazon and other outlets. Her books include a mystery series (The Rona Shively Stories), empowerment resources such as Wise Up to Rise Up, Don’t Be Stupid (And I Mean That in the Nicest Way), and From Judgment to Jubilee, children’s books including Grumble D. Grumble Learns to Smile, All the Scary Things, and See How Strong You Are. Benston lives in Springfield, Ohio with her awesome daughter, Mya and enjoys traveling, reading, writing, and telling it like it is. She enjoys being able to help other authors get their stories out there through Higher Ground and has recently expanded her freelance services to offer more extensive guidance as a writing coach and social media manager. For more information, you can contact Benston at highergroundbooksandmedia@gmail.com.
Read the latest installment of The End of Eternity by Rebecca Benston on Kindle Vella!
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My name is Rebecca Benston. I’m a Christian. I’m a woman. I’m a mother. I’m a writer. I’m a thinker. When I write fiction, I am usually writing a mystery series called The Rona Shively Stories. My P.I. character, Rona Shively is feisty, fearless and fabulous and is usually caught up in something she doesn’t want to be caught up in. In addition to this series, I also have a blog called Higher Ground for Life. Through this blog, I’m hoping to reach women or anyone who is seeking to develop a relationship with God and give them inspiration to get out there and follow His path for their lives!
I also have a blog called Leading the Follower. This one is my favorite. I write about religion, faith, spirituality and all that goes along with it. What we believe, what we don’t believe, what we are told to believe and how society feels about believing in general. I do a lot of testifying here and some of what I say may make you angry. Most of it will make you think. Some of it will make you cry. Any of it could make you laugh. It’s really up to you.
If you are looking for practical advice, honest conversation, and no nonsense observations about living in today’s world, check out my blogs at http://highergroundbooksandmedia.com and http://www.ronashively.wordpress.com and http://www.highergroundforlife.wordpress.com and http://www.leadingthefollower.wordpress.com. And if you’re so inclined, you can purchase my books and some other great, inspirational works from Higher Ground Books & Media at http://highergroundbooksandmedia.com.
Be blessed!
Leading the Follower 