We humans like to feel smart. We like to be right. In fact we enjoy feeling like we are right so much that we will forsake our own growth, safety, health, finances, relationships, even our own lives, just to feel correct and validated. This is called confirmation bias. It’s a cognitive tendency to only listen to, seek out, and give credence to information that supports what you already believe.

And it’s a dangerous tendency.

In businesses it can lead to poor decision-making when hiring, investing, and strategic planning. In relationships, it can lead to misinterpretations, prejudices, hatred, and war. In schools, it can lead to uneven opportunities and loss of great potential. Among other things.

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me on level ground.” (Psalms‬ ‭143‬:‭10,‬ ‭CSB)‬‬

Confirmation bias is not what God wants for His people. He wants teachable children. Followers who are humble and hungry for the truth, whatever it may be. He wants me to listen to Him and be ready — no, eager — to change the way I think and act, every day. He commands me to repent of my wrong thinking and turn towards love.

God loves all people. If I’m not acting in love, believing loving things, seeking ways to love, I am not on God’s level path. And it’s time to turn around and do some relearning.

Dear God, thank you for being ready and willing to teach me. Show me how to be ready and willing to learn. Every day. All the time. Forgive me for being so sure that I am right. Teach me what is good and what your will is for this moment and the next. Turn me right around when I am headed the wrong way. I want to be teachable today.