STEP 6: I make a commitment to turn away from my pride and refuse to become like those who have abused me. I abandon my desire to spread malice because of my pain and anger, and I chose to relinquish my right to be self-absorbed.
Of all the reasons for religious abuse, perhaps the greatest is the steadfast determination that “you are right and the other person is wrong.” Maintaining a position militantly and arrogantly causes more wounding than anything else.
When it’s one of the central tenets of faith, it’s one thing, but most militancy comes from micro beliefs—things about which people can differ and still remain true to God and themselves.
Because people would rather argue than entertain any question that might shake their worldview, church people are constantly discarding people they should choose to embrace instead. Unfortunately, it’s much easier to call someone a name that might wound them than to embrace any divergence in opinion. Castigating political liberals for this, Christians need to take a good look at themselves because they do the same thing. Indeed, it is easier to fight for your beliefs than live up to them.
Today’s Thought: It’s easier to fight for one’s principles than to live up to them.
—Alfred Adler—
