Think for Yourself: Questioning Your Beliefs and Embracing Critical Thinking
Distinguishing fact from fiction in a world of information overload
Living with purpose requires effort and intention. You must practice your values. You live out your values intentionally or unintentionally. Work on personal growth and impact the world around you.
Think for Yourself
Believe nothing because someone told you it was true. Question what you believe and why you believe it. Is what you believe based on solid evidence, or did you accept it without thinking from those around you? This process of critical thinking and self-examination helps you take control of your beliefs and thoughts.
As a teenager, I knew I would go into full-time ministry. I decided to believe nothing without investigating for myself and prayerfully thinking it through. I have not always remained as true to this self-made promise as I intended, and this promise put me in internal conflict time after time.
Was what my parents taught me the truth? Did my teachers tell the truth? Did my pastor know the truth, or just repeat the party line?
I wanted to stand firmly on what I believed and could only do that if I truly examined what I would believe.
I challenge you to stay curious. Ask the hard questions. Recognize that many have caused you to believe and accept untruths as true simply because everyone says it.
History proves this. Think back over how men believed and taught that women shouldn’t vote and couldn’t own property; other people could be owned and treated as property, and a thousand different things society currently rejects.
Today, more than ever, information bombards us and dictates what we should believe. How can you distinguish fact from fiction?
Why don’t you decide to dig deep, think for yourself, and find out what is really true?
Take Responsibility for Your Life
Your choices and actions significantly shape your circumstances. Accept responsibility if you want to grow and change. Turn both your successes and failures into opportunities to grow.
More than anything, stop being a victim. Focus on what you can control and get busy controlling it. Whining, crying, complaining, and fussing about what is happening to you might help you feel better simply because it becomes your excuse for doing nothing. You just sit there in the middle of your chaos.
The world is full of trouble. Get up and make something of your life. Live out what you were meant to be and do.
Share What You Know
Teach others what you learn. Help your family, friends, and others grow. My dad used to say I couldn’t live long enough to make all the mistakes, so I should learn from some of his. That is good advice all around.
Discuss what you think with others, and allow them to challenge your thoughts. This will help you sharpen your thoughts and beliefs.
If what you believe can’t face criticism, then at least figure out why.
I decided to believe the Bible as the basis of all truth in my life. I dig in and study the Bible. When examining all truth, I refer to Bible truth. I even examine preaching, teaching, science, and society in light of the Scriptures.
I do not get to stay still in one place. I am continually learning and growing.
I believe this will help you grow, live a purpose-filled life, and make a positive impact. Think before you believe, think before you act, and keep thinking until the day you die.