Exposing and Overcoming Our Biases
Prayer: Dear God, open my heart to receive what you want for me. Amen
Photo by Ann Highum
Prayer: Dear God, open my heart to receive what you want for me. Amen
Living closely with God is enlightening. It shines light on our inner lives - our weaknesses and biases, making us more circumspect. The revelation of how we really are, with all of our flaws, is shocking and exceedingly hard to accept. If we are not already depressed, we become depressed at learning about our true selves.
Hubris is a common human frailty. We tend to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think, and ignore our weaknesses and biases. When we begin to catch on to the fact we are far too often guided in life by our biases, we are rightfully embarrassed. When the evidence is in and the truth about ourselves is revealed, it can be a devastating discovery - like digging up a dead body. However, such a traumatic discovery is imperative if we are ever going to improve.
Our initial response might reasonably be: “Yes, but . . .” As the light of God’s presence and love continues to shine on us, exposing our true selves, we are moved either to change our lives or move out of that light exposing how we really are. Unfortunately, we too often move away from the presence of God which provides that light.
Having our biases and weaknesses exposed does devastating damage to our egos, of which we are tenaciously protective. However, once we give in, stop pushing back, accept and acknowledge our weaknesses, healing begins to take place.
This entire process is set into motion as we learn to live closer to God. It is not enough just to believe in God. Belief in God does not have sufficient energy to set this transition into motion. It requires a step beyond that. lt comes from actively and intentionally living more intimately with God.
There is nothing that causes personal weaknesses to surface more quickly than living with another person. Conflicts occur because of offensive weaknesses. These flaws in human character become disturbingly apparent. Hopefully, the effect of these human flaws on the relationship will diminish over time as changes and adjustments are made.
Something of the same dynamics are present in living more closely with God. As our biases become apparent to us, as a result of our enlightenment, we make changes and begin to grow. We become new people with a new lease on life. We are astonished but extremely grateful for the dramatic transformation, all because we have intentionally grown closer to God.
