The impact of our social experiences upon our lives are undeniable, the question is a matter of degrees. In the last article I raise two issues that can affect our actions and reactions.
To further my discussion I would like to raise another two issue. The first is "negative experience". Experiences induces perceptions. Negative experiences can induce in us preconceive prejudices. Left unattended or unguarded these cultivated preconceived prejudices can trigger us to impetuously react to certain life situations.
Another condition that can inflame our responses and reactions is "social myopia". Social myopia can limit our ability to understand and be sensitive to others. Their inabilities may generate conflict which they may not even be aware of. Many have not develop the ability to discern life big pictures. Not that they are short in ability but more so of opportunity. Given right guidance and opportunity these myopic condition can be corrected.
When we take effort to give ourselves to reflect on these issues much of the perceived enmity will be resolved. Reactions begat reactions. Covey said it so succinctly "seek to understand in order to be understood". When we give effort to understand these issue we will be able to respond to life relationship
more effectively and more appropriately. We respond instead of reacting. We thoughtful express concern and allow person spaced to grow. We all need to space to grow and flex our social muscles.
3 comments:
Good points! So true. Past bad experiences cause people to gauge future situations which look similar, in the negative light much to the detriment of the church. This is something that can be changed only by being willing to see things in another light. If we do not get rid of these social myopic glasses, we may just loose a whole social strata that God wants to bring into the kingdom! Can't wait till your next post!
Sue
Yes, I agree with you. However, to be fair, negative experiences and social myopia do not only plague the common people but even those in 'high places' as well. This is why the Lord reminds leaders not 'to lord it over' their people like the leaders of the world do. Many times a soft approach works better than a high-handed one. This is one reason why I am impressed with the way my senior pastor handles our church leaders and sorts out church relationship conflicts.
I believe that 'negative experience' is not an enemy to the church only, but to the society as a whole. It causes so much fear, pain and insecurity for the present and the future. This is true also to 'social myopia'.
Genrally, I believe that the four 'enemies' of the church are indeed personal blindness and hurts that opens many other hurtful possibilities to other individuals, family, church and the society as well.
In my opinion, the 'real' enemy is those who listens, but not understanding; those who heard, but not doing; those who gone thru, but not changing. Church is about letting God transform us, His saints. Thus, things that are hindering such process are to be considered, not always, as the enemies of the church.
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