Something I have learned about myself

[anime4christ]

One of my close friends has made me realize something interesting about myself that I didn't pay much attention to before: I have a way of stating things convincingly enough that people who disagreed before can often accept it without asking for proof or questioning it.

This particular friend, however, questions almost everything I say, especially theological statements. At first I was rather frustrated by it because I wasn't used to it -- in fact, many people in our youth looked up to me as almost a sort of guru although I always asked them not to exalt me -- but it made me realize that other people often accept the things I say without reasoning behind it.

That doesn't mean the statements I make are unreasonable, but that I can convince people without adequate reasoning sometimes. I have never used this ability in an attempt to mislead anyone -- possibly because I wasn't so aware of it before -- but I fear there is a danger I could. Unintentionally, because I am human, and can OBviously make mistakes, I can mislead people more easily than I realized. That is what I fear. What do you guys think about that?

[Crushmaster]

That's interesting. I believe I've heard about that before, though I'm not sure where or how.

It's something I certainly don't have.
God bless,
Crushmaster.

[ptwild]

Would you not agree that having such an ability reflects more on the people you are convincing than on yourself? People who believe things without applying reason often believe anything, or, set their minds to believing things regardless of fact and reason.

[trc123]

One of my close friends has made me realize something interesting about myself that I didn't pay much attention to before: I have a way of stating things convincingly enough that people who disagreed before can often accept it without asking for proof or questioning it.

This particular friend, however, questions almost everything I say, especially theological statements. At first I was rather frustrated by it because I wasn't used to it -- in fact, many people in our youth looked up to me as almost a sort of guru although I always asked them not to exalt me -- but it made me realize that other people often accept the things I say without reasoning behind it.

That doesn't mean the statements I make are unreasonable, but that I can convince people without adequate reasoning sometimes. I have never used this ability in an attempt to mislead anyone -- possibly because I wasn't so aware of it before -- but I fear there is a danger I could. Unintentionally, because I am human, and can OBviously make mistakes, I can mislead people more easily than I realized. That is what I fear. What do you guys think about that?

Yes, I saw that about you when you tried (and failed) to convince me of the superiority of the Mac!

[Seth Doty]

One of my close friends has made me realize something interesting about myself that I didn't pay much attention to before: I have a way of stating things convincingly enough that people who disagreed before can often accept it without asking for proof or questioning it.

If that it is true it prOBably just means your friends respect you.

That doesn't mean the statements I make are unreasonable, but that I can convince people without adequate reasoning sometimes. I have never used this ability in an attempt to mislead anyone -- possibly because I wasn't so aware of it before -- but I fear there is a danger I could. Unintentionally, because I am human, and can OBviously make mistakes, I can mislead people more easily than I realized. That is what I fear. What do you guys think about that?

What do I think about that? Well I think it sounds like your patting yourself on the back.

Assuming that was not your intent I wouldn't worry to much about it. If you are truly concerned about misleading people due to your leadership/persuasion abilities(which you may well have for all I know) just concentrate more on knowing the Lord better and staying in his perfect will. The closer you are to the Lord the less likely you will be to mislead others.

[anime4christ]

@trc123: LOL! I used plenty of reason there. Also, it works a lot better in verbal communication. I'm not so worried about people reading stuff I write since the tone is missing in writing and people have more time to reread and think about written things.

@Seth-Doty: No, I'm definitely not trying to pat myself on the back, just a bit concerned. It's kind of like finding out that you've been entrusted with a loaded weapon. The first reaction was kind of like "I better make sure I don't blow up the wrong thing with this!" Thanks for the advice.

[Alimantado]

That is what I fear. What do you guys think about that?

I'm utterly convinced you have a legitimate reason to be concerned--oh no!

[John81]

We all have to be careful with whatever gifts or talents we have. The first step in not wrongly using any is acknowledging that such can happen.

Any concern you might have, take it to the Lord in prayer. Be sure to pray for wisdom, discernment and understanding so you may wisely use your gifts/talents and to recognize any temptation to misuse them as well as the strength to do right and turn from evil.

Continue to abide in Christ and pursue holiness your whole life and be in constant prayer about all things.

[JerryNumbers]

Has anyone ever noticed how Jesus was unable to talk to people without them questioning Him.

[anime4christ]

Thanks John. Interesting OBservation Jerry, although the Bible also says the Apostles were afraid to ask Jesus about certain things.

OK, I guess I'm not as worried anymore after the initial reaction wore off. One interesting thing though is the friend I mentioned in the first post is questioning me less now, though still questioning sometimes. I wonder what that could mean.... lol. Perhaps she just trusts me more now or something.