It Is OK To Be Wrong! by Joe Gelak

It Is OK To Be Wrong by Joe Gelak

“I win an argument very well. Ask any of my remaining friends.
I can win an argument on any topic, against any opponent.
People know this and steer clear of me at parties.
Often, as a sign of their respect, they don’t invite me.” Dave Barry

Does it drive you crazy when someone you know always has to be right and have the last word?

Even if we don’t fall prey to this unattractive trait on the outside, we may well do it in our own heads. I began observing my own thoughts and feelings, and I was shocked. When I have a problem or conflict or experience failure, my mind turbocharges in an effort to reach the conclusion that I was actually right and something or someone else was wrong.

What Did Jesus Do?

Though Jesus was without sin, still he did not justify himself. Isaiah prophesied, regarding the coming Messiah, that, “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.” (Isaiah 53:7).

Defending and justifying ourselves, whether we are right or wrong, is an obstacle on our spiritual journey. It strengthens and stiffens the old Self. It focuses us on the wrong things.

Yes, we should reflect and learn from our circumstances and life events. But let us do so with openness and without attaching ourselves to the need to be right.

Begin noticing and observing and keeping an eye out for thoughts that are defensive, that work to justify and explain yourself. When you find these thoughts, hand them over to God. “Take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV). Then consciously let it go. Know that it is ok to make mistakes and be wrong and fail.