By Steve McReynolds
“Are you open to feedback?” This is the question that, as a counselor, I have asked hundreds of clients in my practice. In other words, “Do you know everything there is to know about yourself, or is there a possibility that there are some things you aren’t aware of, which might help you improve?” I can tell the person’s attitude by their answer. If they say yes, the counselor or other peers will give them feedback. If not, there’s really no point in going on, is there?
This question can be asked of anyone about their views on the return of Christ: “Are you open to feedback?” If a person says, “Yes,” then they are committing themselves to listening and being patient. They are allowing themselves to say, “I’m not sure about this particular point. I might actually have been mistaken. I can improve my knowledge.”
“Are you open to feedback?” As a counselor I realize that this question relates to security and insecurity. A healthy attitude to have about debatable issues is to say, “This is what I believe. I could be wrong, or I might need to adjust my belief. I can always benefit from a different perspective.”
Some people are insecure about their beliefs. They just believe it, because someone they trusted told them. Their roots are not that deep. It has not become personally their own. Therefore, when someone offers another perspective on a particular belief of theirs, they feel threatened. They don’t know how to respond, because they haven’t actually done the work of studying. Others feel insecure, because they take the interaction personally: “You’re suggesting I might be wrong. I don’t like to be wrong. If I’m wrong about this, what if I’m wrong about something else? That would scare me.”
So, what about you? “Are you open to feedback?” When someone offers a different perspective on a biblical idea, do you find yourself becoming angry? Afraid? Do you say things against the person? Do you feel uncomfortable and wish you could leave the room? These are all common reactions that come when a person feels threatened. If you find yourself doing this, ask yourself, “Why do I feel threatened right now?”
A person who is open to feedback is never threatened by new ideas. They live their lives with an open mind, expecting that they can improve themselves by listening to others. They know they don’t know everything, and they’re o.k. with that. Are you o.k. with that?
What we all must accept is that none of us are expected to have a 100% corner on the truth, unless your name is God. And that’s o.k. The basic fundamentals of the faith are not negotiable: The virgin birth, the deity of Christ, etc. But there are issues in which the Bible leaves room to clarify.
If you’re open to feedback, you may benefit from the following discussion. Some verses of Scripture may finally begin to make sense—or better sense—to you. You may feel like you have a better perspective on the issue. But all of this depends on your answer:
“Are you open to feedback?”
