Cucumbers and Capital Punishment
2/17/2021
Written By: David Wheatley
“Name something you’ve changed your mind about over the years.”
We begin each of our small group meetings with an icebreaker. This was one of my favorites last year.
I can’t recall if my answer was cucumbers or capital punishment, but this question really stumped me. Why? Probably because it requires humility.
To change one’s mind is, in a way, to admit wrong. I used to think this way, but now I think this other way. I used to believe this; now I believe that. It’s not always a fun declaration, and it’s certainly not easy when you’re discussing a weighty topic.
To make matters more difficult, our current culture doesn’t afford much grace to the mind-changer. In politics it’s called “flip flopping.” We are expected to hold firmly to our convictions and to never waver. That’s a sign of weakness, they say.
But I am here to tell you that cognitive rigidity, or just plain ole stubbornness, is more dangerous than you can imagine. In fact, changing one’s mind in light of new experiences and additional evidence is not a sign of weakness at all, but a sign of integrity and strength.
One of the most famous accounts of Jesus’ ministry describes the time when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. Lazarus was taken by a severe illness, and his body lay in the tomb for four days. By the time Jesus showed up, Lazarus’ sister, Martha said it plainly, “It’s been too long – by now, it smells terrible!”
Undeterred, Jesus gave thanks to the Father and called His friend out from the grave. At Jesus’ command, the dead man arose, and John recorded what happened next:
“Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin.
“What are we accomplishing?” they asked. “Here is this man performing many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.” -John 11:45-48
The people present that day witnessed a miracle. This man Jesus had been traveling the region and gained quite a reputation. By this time, His legend was known far and wide. This was the One who turned water into wine, healed the blind and lame, walked on a lake, fed a crowd of five thousand, and much more all while calling Himself things like “the Light of the World”, “The I Am”, and “The Son of Man.”
So when these eyewitnesses saw Jesus resurrecting a man from the dead, it was most definitely shocking, but was it really surprising? In other words, didn’t this incredible act fit perfectly with all the other evidence?
John explained that people did one of two things when they saw Lazarus alive again – either they believed Jesus was who He says He was OR they ran to tell the Pharisees. Believing would require a change of heart and a change of mind. Believing what eyes have seen means moving the feet in a different direction. That requires humility. That requires admitting wrong. That requires strength.
Yet still, despite the unforgettable experience and the indisputable evidence, some would not change their minds about Jesus. Did you catch their response? They dug in deeper. They doubled down on their previously held convictions – Jesus is a threat to our power, and He must be eliminated.
Alas the New Testament tells us 2000 years ago what psychology confirms for us today: The greatest barriers toward changing one’s mind are resistance to change and pride.
It’s more comfortable to stay where I am, keep believing what I believe. I like it here. This is my identity. This is what I’m known for, and if I change my mind, I’m going to have to change my behaviors. Sounds like a hassle!
Likewise, if I change my mind, people will know it, and they’ll judge me. I’ll become the outcast, the weirdo, the hypocrite. If I go back on what I once believed, I will lose credibility, and I’ll be labeled a fool.
Resistance to change and pride. These are the opponents of growth, and that day, they cost the Pharisees everything.
How do you respond when new evidence presents itself? How do you react when you realize you’re wrong?
Is it possible that some of life’s greatest gifts for you are waiting just beyond your own stubbornness and pride? Let us pray for God to soften our hearts today, so that when we encounter the truth, we will have the strength to embrace it.