We Must Think for Ourselves

Psalm One –  The Big But

Think for Yourself

 ?¹ Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
² BUT his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
³ He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
⁴ The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
Psalms 1:1-4

I wonder if the first time you saw the ‘likes’, ‘dislikes’ thumbs that you immediately thought of politics?  It is a good example of how we can be influenced, as I have no political intent of the thumbs.  They were just the color of my clipart!  It makes the point of this Running Thought.

The world is increasingly shaped by Likes and Dislikes, driven by the click of a keyboard. People often align with the ‘winning’ side, where more Likes signify victory. Our urge to fit in and avoid rejection leads us to support messages and individuals we might not fully understand, often diverging from the ways of the Lord.

Every day, we are swayed by our desire for acceptance and approval from others. Influencers, corporations, and various campaigns seek to shape our behaviors and beliefs. Social influence involves how the actions and presence of others affect our attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, using various methods to persuade or pressure us into conformity.

Despite the constant presence of social influence, we remain accountable for our actions and beliefs. We cannot escape responsibility by shifting blame.

There is a growing trend of avoiding personal accountability

Blaming others for our beliefs and actions is not a valid excuse. Although it might be easier to conform to the loudest voices around us, that does not make their perspectives true. Like Adam in the Garden, who said, “she made me do it,” we must recognize that such excuses do not change the reality of our actions. Our susceptibility to influence does not absolve us from personal responsibility.

Truth overrides it all.

Truth is absolute and unaffected by popular opinion. It remains true even if the entire world denies it. We must remember that we live in a fallen world where the enemy blinds and deceives so many.

Our culture is increasingly guided by AI and algorithms, which often reinforce existing, ungodly views and create echo chambers. This exposure to selective information can distort our understanding of truth.

Many people today live without a solid foundation of truth, unknowingly leading to compromised values and actions. Social influence, if unchecked, can be harmful both in the present and eternally. The saying, “Bad company corrupts good morals,” highlights that good morals do not change bad company; bad company can erode good morals.

 Our source for truth

 Instead, we must turn to the Word of God as our ultimate source of truth. Our heavenly Father invites us to seek His guidance with our questions, aiming to lead and help us thrive.

 ¹ Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers

The Big But

BUT his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
³ He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prosper (Psalm1)

 Jesus is the truth.

 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life (John 14:6)

For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. (Luke 11:10)

 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2)

 We must think for Ourselves.

How do you think? What do you think?

If you want to understand God’s will, I would be honored to accompany you in exploring your questions and reflecting on His word. Whether through prayer or discussion, please let me know how I can support you in this journey, even if it means stepping outside conventional norms.