The pastor at my church discussed personal preferences and how they can affect every aspect of life, including our faith and relationships with God and others.
Like many of us, I have been influenced by the 'power of preference', which has led to regretful decisions. It has also led me to judge others, often at the expense of addressing my shortcomings. This realization has underscored the importance of self-awareness and introspection in our lives.
As with all things, it seems so much easier to see the flaws of those around us. This is powerful because it can be easily manipulated by those who understand how to use the “power of preference” to push forth ideas and agendas we might disagree with if our perspectives were not being used against us.
In a world filled with people who desperately want to be seen as kind, caring, and accepting, it is easy to promote ideas that commonly would have been ignored by appealing to the “power of preference” of not being seen as hurtful or hateful.
It seems as if all that matters today is that everyone knows I care.
This is an acceptable notion, although everyone knows there are many things, including people we do not care about or know enough about to have a preference. Yet, we do.
The problem is that being able to stop long enough to think critically about what we are hearing or being told is drowned out by the preferences someone else may have and hold to.
I believe the way to defend against these people and their preferences is to realize you disagree with what is being hailed as right and true.
Though you disagree with a particular person or issue, you may be seen as discerning and thoughtful if you are not angry or hateful. This will allow you to share your preferences, and reasons for your position.
It is a fine line and requires a delicate balance today as judgments are brought against anyone who disagrees with the status quo with venom and vitriol. But it is a balance and a line worth taking.
While it is true that the “power of preferences” can affect our relationships with God and others, it can also open our eyes to the lies being perpetrated by those around us and help us to be a light in a dark world intent on tearing down the very fabric of society for a purpose we can only assume is to create strife and division.
What if we admit we are being influenced at every turn because we desire to be seen as someone who genuinely loves and respects others? Would this help us to see if the “power of preferences” we are being shown is the lie it is in many cases?
I believe it would.
We should all seek to understand our preferences by paying attention to what we are focusing on and concerned about.
When we do, we will see that what holds our attention is not always what we want to see or do.
How do we change our hearts and minds to use the “power of preference” for our good? We focus on what is true, right, kind, and lovely. We place our focus on Jesus.
Then, we will see just how powerful our preferences can be!
Proverbs 14:12: "There is a way that seems right to a person, but eventually it ends in death."
Thank you!