You better check yourself, before you wreck yourself...sucka

Lenses. Biases. We all have them. They influence our outlook on things and relate to our responses. And through these lenses we develop a “lifeview”, causing us to make judgments and decisions. My hope is that our actions and beliefs are subject to change in terms of adjusting to the truth. And I propose that regardless of our lenses and biases there is a viewpoint and a response deserving of truthful thinking.

So I ask: Is there a correct lens? Is there a lens that shows us an appropriate perspective; where people are more valuable than objects? Where strength is found in weakness? Where money holds no value? Where freedom is found in letting go of control? Where peace is found in submission? Where honor is found in service? Is there a lens which shows us the more important things, the things beneath the surface of this life?

Are we looking for that lens or are we content living within our current worldview, content with our perspective? Are we done learning and changing?

If all we have are individual opinions then I can validate my own truth in my own mind without testing its quality. In a system of values where there is a catalogue of viewpoints, it is important to realize what is fake and what is real. Our views need to be tested against universal truths. We need to question whether or not our beliefs are based on truth, what we can accept, or what we want to reject? I propose that many views are largely based on what we are willing to accept and what we want to reject. It is a question of whether or not we can we submit ourselves to the truth, knowing that our viewpoints hold inaccurate biases at times? Knowing this, can we readjust our outlook to let go of the things we cannot explain, but know to be true? We can convince ourselves that what we believe is right rather than test our ideas for validity in the real world.

The truth is, we need accountability within our beliefs. We need different viewpoints and thoughts. We need the stories of others. We need their struggles, disbeliefs, and wrestlings. We need to be taught new truths, to be called out on our faults, and to be accept the unknows in this life. None of us have all of the answers. But many of us have bits of the truth. And we must accept that we are a bit flawed and biased in how we look at things.

One principle that has spoken true to me about a correct outlook is called the fundamental attribution error. The "error" takes place when we place too large an emphasis on personal character without validating the environment as an equal affect. This occurs when we look at a homeless person and call them lazy without knowing how they got there or the circumstances within. Our outlook is a battle ground between pride and humility and neither can suffer the other. Change is not always the enemy, nor is it always the answer. In the words of the band Switchfoot "this is your life, are you who you want to be?"

Think about it.

Accepting Change

What would it take to change your mind? How about to change your life? And what direction would you move? To accept and receive something different. To allow concepts to enter your mind and cause an affect. To be changed and made new.

Is this possible or are we all in a pattern of set behaviors that cannot be undone? By what determination are our thoughts and ideas filtered? Is it the source of the idea? Or is it the perspective we live with? Must the catalyst idea be rational and common sense? And how does experience relate to thoughts being pondered? Is it more personal and based on emotions, biases, or feelings? Is it a coping mechanism? Or, is the ability to be changed based on truth; the possibility that we can and should change for a purpose beyond ourselves?

Circumstances shape us, personality gives us our perspective, and our viewpoint dictates how we will respond to the things around us. Belief and action describe to us and those around us, what we believe. And living a cause-and-action life by simply responding to the world is very different that living with a specific purpose and goal. The direction we are heading is very important. This is living with a flexibility to grow without compromising the truth, even if we don't always know what it is. It is also keeping a humble outlook that grants the opportunity to adapt. These changes, like minor corrections made during driving, keep us centered on the quest for truth. And truth is something more that than trying to be good. Goodness serves little purpose without a reason, and goodness for goodness's sake is not a worthy goal. Goodness does not advocate change.

Change comes from hope, freedom, and faith and it advocates for these changes in others. Change is future oriented, a hope in things to come with the goal of making a visible impact. Our purposes towards change ought to stem from a Godly perspective. It is a mixture of looking at ourselves and life's mysteries realistically. First of all, we must accept that we do not all of the answers. Secondarily we do have a responsibility to act and introduce others to the bits of truth that we have seen. My view is that change should always be a possibility and an expectation of others and ourselves. If we simply leave ourselves alone, we deny our ability to improve and be made new. These are purposes not of selfish gain, but of bringing freedom.
For instance, those who think everyone else is stupid, are probably the real idiot. It's called the "hot poop, warm pee complex". Most people that think they are hot poop, are really warm pee" - thanks T.J. Janecke for that simple principle about life.

We ought never be satisfied with who we are, but continually seeking what is real. Change is both difficult and unpredictable, and it is not readily accepted, but it is a worthy effort. We are made new only through a life that believes Godly truth exists, is meant for all, and is to shared. Many people are satisfied with a world of black and white, content with themselves. Others, are in chains trapped by a life of false answers. I believe there is freedom for both. We are not meant to be left alone, content with what we think we know. The direction of our life should focus on a message of good news, worthwhile challenges, questions, and viewpoints. In the words of Christ, "I came to seek and save the lost."