Of course this started out with me checking out views of others on one subject. That just led me to reading up on the beliefs of other groups and people in different areas. As I read through these different ideas and beliefs, I found myself feeling sadden, unsure and alone. See, as I read about the beliefs of the group that I associate myself with now when it comes to the original subject of y search, I found that I did not like their attitude towards others who did not believe the same as we do. I then thought about the group that I use to associate with and their views on that subject and I realized that I could not say that I agree with them. I love them and love them dearly but they and I do not agree on a very important subject. That does not mean that I should look down on them and I still associate with many from that group but I cannot identify myself as part of that group in good conscience. I also read stuff on the internet that was critical of my belief. I read that my beliefs are from the pits of Hell. As I pondered these feelings, I came to some realizations and I become more confident in my beliefs.
The first realization is that I cannot worry about others views about me or my beliefs. I am a man of conscience (I believe many who do not agree with me on a variety of subjects are of conscience also). As a man of conscience, I must hold to my core beliefs, no matter what another person thinks about me. God has led me to focus on certain areas and I must stay true to my beliefs in those areas as long as I can show reasons why I believe the way that I believe.
The second realization is that I must look at people as people. When people are like minded to me in an area, I must not expect to always agree with them and I must remember that they are imperfect humans just the same as me. That does not mean that I should condone things that I feel are wrong such as talking down to others or when someone acts as though they could not be wrong. What it does mean is that I should provide the example of how I think people who think differently should be treated and at times point out that attitude in others with whom I agree when they are talking to others in which we do not agree. That also means when someone that I do not agree with is talking to me then I listen. I will also tell them as much of my argument as they will allow me. I must always live as Christ in my actions. He never forced anyone to listen to Him and He called out His own when they were wrong.
The third realization was a simple one. I am an individual. God created me to be one and that means I will never see eye to eye on every subject with any one person out there.
The final realization is that I am just human and I do not have all the answers. I do not have to be right in every area. I just have to put my trust in The Truth not a truth. This does not mean that I believe everyone is one is right. Even if there were no one truth in the universe then that would be the one truth. In a world in which everyone disagrees on something, someone must be right and someone must be wrong. What I must do is set my core beliefs and know that I could be wrong a wide range of things. I must always be looking for evidence for my beliefs. That journey can never end.
I hope this post is not too much rambling. This was more for me to put down the words that I am thinking more than anything but I hope that you the reader gets something out of it. Please do not look at this and think "that guy is closed minded" or "that guy has no beliefs". Trust me, I have very solid beliefs and I am always willing to listen to and discuss those beliefs with others. I do believe that Satan and evil forces use divisions in ideas as a way to keep people isolated from others. That leads to so much evil and ultimately separation from God.
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