Polarization! The tendency to be identified with, or be attracted towards, one of the two opposite ends of a spectrum on a given subject. To complete the analogy of using a magnetic field as a metaphor, it is possible to become so polarized on a given topic that in effect we begin to repel anyone with the opposing view. Anyone who thinks like us, we gravitate towards. Anyone who thinks differently, we draw away from and in some cases avoid.
Here is the problem, to get a different perspective on things, I need to hear from someone who thinks and sees things differently than I do. Someone who has a different view. Sometimes the very one I repel or avoid is the one who carries the fresh perspective I need. And then I wonder why I never have any new ideas. Could it be because I am repelling the one whom the Lord sent to bring the fresh idea to me?
Better to be strong in my convictions and yet receptive to others! Jesus was, but people who thought differently were not repelled by His stance and view. They were attracted to it because in it was life itself. Be strong in your convictions, by all means, but don’t become so polarized that you repel others. Be strong in such a way as to attract others.
See Luke 15:1-2 Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. 2 This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them! Both Jesus and the Pharisees were of strong convictions, but the Pharisees became polarized and thus repelled the very ones they were supposed to be reaching. Jesus was strong but in being strong He attracted them! That’s who I want to be like!
Expanding the Kingdom!