Earlier this summer, I received one of those dreaded text alerts, and this one wreaked havoc on my day. My morning flight to Greensboro was delayed, putting my connection in jeopardy, so I booked an earlier flight and surrendered my aisle seat for the dreaded middle. By the time I boarded the plane, I was looking forward to some quiet time and a relaxing flight. I settled into my seat and exchanged some polite conversation with the women in my row, soon realizing that both were politically liberal.
When they asked me what I do for a living, I immediately started to pray. My morning had not been hijacked by a random series of events: This was a divine appointment.
For the next two-and-a-half hours, we discussed political issues ranging from immigration and COVID to the Ten Commandments and the separation of church and state. They asked sincere questions like “What’s the most misunderstood issue today?”
I have to admit, I was surprised by their openness. These women impressed me with their kindness and curiosity. They didn’t sound dangerous or threatening. On the contrary, they sounded … reasonable. I was thankful the Lord orchestrated the conversation. After all, how can we help people understand our perspective if there’s no civil discourse?
God also helped me see how good questions can soften and expand our hearts towards others. What else might we find in common with those who think differently than we do? Are there things we can learn from each other and ways we can work together to restore order and unity in our nation?
I realized that I needed to come up with some good questions to ask myself so I can sharpen my own critical thinking skills when evaluating ideas, teaching, or political policy. Then it will be easier to bring a spirit of inquiry to conversations—whether it’s my next divine appointment or my own dinner table. Here goes:
Where did this idea, teaching, or political policy come from?
What do I know about the person I’m listening to—whether a friend, minister, podcaster, or author? Are they students of scripture? Do they have credentials, or another form of credibility on the topic? Do they give data to support the idea; if so, where does that data come from? If not a person of faith, is this someone who lives wisely—especially as it relates to the issue at hand?
For example, I may trust my hometown minister because I’ve listened to him for years and seen good fruit in his life. But if he doesn’t stay informed on political issues, I’ll probably give less weight to his opinions on that front. On the flip side, I may listen regularly to a radio broadcast with a knowledgeable religious host. But if I don’t know her personally, then I’ll test her words with scripture, prayer, and wise counsel from another front.
How does this idea align with my Judeo-Christian values? How does it not?
Like you, I live by certain standards and values. Some are nonnegotiable, personally speaking, but we would never seek to impose them on others through law or public policy. For example, I believe in going to a house of worship on a weekly basis, but I would never support the government requiring weekly worship for everyone.
Scripture clearly teaches that governments are instituted among men by God. We’re told in I Thessalonians 5:21 to “test everything and hold fast what is good.” Many of today’s issues aren’t just political, they’re biblical. That’s why it’s crucial for us all to study God’s word and know biblical teaching. Then we’re equipped to consider such questions as: “Is this view supported by Scripture? Does this view align with the whole counsel of God (not just one verse)? Does this view deny or distort any core truths of the gospel?” and “Have I sought God’s guidance on this issue?” Asking these questions helps us keep our priorities (and our hearts) where they should be . . . on God.
How does this idea affect various parties? Or play out in different circumstances?
How can I acknowledge any problems or collateral damage that come with supporting an idea or political policy? Take immigration as an example. What’s the history behind the wildly fluctuating immigration policy of recent years? Is there additional context?
Prior to last November’s election, I heard from a friend in Ohio who provided some insight about the way Haitian immigrants were affecting life in Springfield. Personal experience grants a different perspective. What can I learn from another person’s experience? How can I try to see it from that particular point of view, and how can I acknowledge the complexity of an issue?
Are my emotions influencing my reaction to an idea or policy? And do I have all the facts?
As we’re speaking with those who hold different views, it’s helpful to look at how we’re feeling and take those emotions to the Lord. Am I automatically dismissive or defensive? God uses our emotions to warn us, protect us, convict us, or inspire us. However, emotions can also be rooted in our sin nature, especially pride, or the need to be “right,” when we’re talking with others. While it would be nice to be able to “leave our emotions at the door,” it’s often impossible. When we acknowledge our emotions and get curious about them, we can ask the Lord to show us if anything is hindering the way we think or communicate with others.
I will admit, as an engineer, I’m less susceptible to being driven by emotions than guided by logic and research. But I want to be sure I’ve examined all the relevant information and tried to see the issue from perspectives other than my own.
Asking these kinds of questions as I go about daily life—consuming news, scrolling social media, listening to podcasts, sermons, or friends—will help prepare me for my next divine appointment. In the words of St. Francis:
“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace …
Grant that I may not so much seek … to be understood as to understand.”
