Why We Cannot Trust Ourselves (#553)

"The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are so certain of themselves and wiser people so full of doubts." (Bertrand Russell) Two amazing stories of transformation by God Journey listeners opens up a discussion about how we respond to God's moving in our lives instead of trying to get him to do what we think is best. Then Wayne reads part of an article from Mark Mason about the eight reasons psychologists say we can't trust ourselves or our perspectives. It seems our brain bends our perception of reality to fit our very limited view of the world. While offering some hilarious observations, it also shows why our true freedom is not the freedom to do whatever we want, but to learn to live by the Spirit so that we are not bound by our limited perspectives.  Then we get to embrace a wider view of who he is and a gracious humility about our own conclusions.

Podcast Notes:
Why You Can't Trust Yourself by Mark Manson
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5 Comments

  1. Hilarious! Several years ago we landed a lab/golden retriever mix from the pound. Nothing but precious, probably has more hair than your Zoe; but as you know, it doesn’t all stay on the dog. She can be a jerk around other dogs too, so I just tell myself, “If they only really knew her…” She’s my hiking, camping, exploring buddy, preferring to hang out with Dad. You guys are awesome and your lessons on a life hidden in Christ have continued to bless the multitudes at home and abroad. Here’s to the organic treasures of life, here, here!

  2. Listening to this podcast prompted me to think of several bible verses: “all we like sheep have gone astray…seeing but we don’t see…forgive them Lord for they know not what they do…a fool seems right in his own eyes…”

    Wayne I think you said at 42 years old you thought you knew it all. Well sadly that is my story as recently as 44 years old (I’ll be 46 in less than 4 months). How absolutely convinced I was that I was so advanced in my thinking and understanding; beyond that of most people. How arrogant of me! But at the time I didn’t think I was arrogant, instead I thought i was gifted in knowledge and understanding and I was waiting for others to catch up. Sadly, this is the way I truly thought!!! Still catch myself thinking like this at times, however, my fall from pride has been great!!!

    At this point in my life I think I know enough to genuinely acknowledge ‘I don’t know much.’ I wish i never had knowledge of the true of good and evil (tree of morality and ethics). I sometimes wish I could live like Forrest Gump; not sure if that is the greatest way of living, but it gets me out of my analytical/knowledge brain.

    • I can relate Jim. It is humbling to find out that we really do not know anything at all. But the condition exists at all ages. Who hasn’t met a teenager that thinks they have all the answers LOL.

      Perhaps we can begin by embracing this awareness as a gift. In being humbled, we are recipient of a merciful act of God in not letting us continue in our blindness and pride. Thankfulness is the place I return to in my not knowing.

  3. I have read your book, He Loves Me, and have been reading it again and again, to let it sink in. Now I am so happy to find your podcasts!
    This one blessed me especially much. It is so freeing to listen to two free men chatting and laughing as they discuss life. Blessings to your recovery!

    Saloma

  4. Thanks Saloma, for your encouragement and your blessings for my recovery. I’m so glad you’ve found the podcast helpful!

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