Trained Minds

Is your mind trained to look at something from a certain perspective? Does it automatically travel in a certain direction depending on the issue? Is it trained in such a way that you might not be able to see from another angle? How long have you viewed things the same way? Is there another way? Is there truth and reason in the other way? Could there be truth and reason on both sides?

The people we assoicate with has much to do with the direction and perspective of our minds. We join groups because we like the friendship and the overall ideology, atmosphere, and attitude of that particular group. Before long we find ourserlves adopting everything about the group and denying the right to think for ourselves. The longer we are a part of a certain group the more difficult it becomes to seperate ourselves from certain things about the group. Eventually its hard to make your own decisions because the group might not like what you say or do and then, well, its just to much trouble to be different.

Is it ok to be different? Is it ok to think for yourself? Can you still be a part of the group without being attacked because you might not agree with every thing about the group?

One of the most dangerous things we face with the younger generation is establishing new precedents and traditions and calling them, "THE ONLY WAY." I personally want to be very careful about being dogmatic and sure about things that are not fundamental issues in the scriptures. Otherwise I will cause the same problems I see now for future generations.

When it comes to ministry and reaching people if you are leading poeple to Christ and they are following Christ, living by faith, learning to keep His commands, and the fundamentals of the Christian Faith then you are doing your job. What ever method or style you choose if it works I don't have problem with it. There is more than one way to do things!