Peter and John were still speaking to the people when some priests, the officer in charge of the Temple guards, and some Sadducees arrived. They were annoyed because the two apostles were teaching the people that Jesus had risen from death, which proved that the dead will rise to life.  Acts 4:1-2

Isn’t it annoying to be confronted with something that goes against your mind-set? No wonder the Sadducees—who didn’t believe in life after death—were annoyed. Who isn’t irritated when their convictions are challenged? It’s even worse when there is supporting evidence for the other side!

Of course we think our own world-view is right. Why hold on to an opinion you think is wrong? It makes sense to express and defend our position, but if that position truly is correct, won’t it hold up to challenges? If—after thoughtful consideration of all the information—it doesn’t, it doesn’t—what’s wrong with changing our position?

Why is it so threatening to change our minds in light of new information? Part of it might be ego. “I was wrong” is not the easiest thing to admit to ourselves—let alone acknowledge to others. But I think it’s more than that. When a component of our operating system is shown to be faulty, our foundation can feel pulled out from under us. We might be afraid to trust our judgment about other things. As a result of the new mindset, we might be required to make changes in our lives.

When Paul, zealous persecutor of Christians, was confronted with the Truth, it turned his world upside down. He ended up doing a complete 180 and launching an equally zealous crusade to spread Christianity throughout the known world. While we might not be called to make changes of that magnitude, we all need attitude adjustments from time to time.

Prayer:  Lord, teach my heart to be open to the truth.

Reflection for sharing:  What assumptions might be worth a second look?