Is Disillusionment a Blessing?

A few years ago, I had the chance to hear John Piper speak at a conference as part of his Look at the Book series. I was floored. His passion for Scripture, the way he unpacked every word with precision and awe—it left me inspired, hungry to dig deeper into God’s Word. Piper’s famous line, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him," stuck with me like a north star, shaping my understanding of the Christian life. He was one of those teachers who made me want to lean in, to listen harder.

Then, this week, I stumbled across an X post titled "Why I Stopped Reading John Piper." It was a video podcast- a heartfelt, logical critique from a middle-aged man who’d grown disillusioned with Piper’s approach. His words carried weight—disappointment laced with honesty. At first, I scrolled past it, but it lingered in my mind. Not because I immediately agreed or disagreed, but because it stirred something I’ve been wrestling with myself: how maturing in the Christian faith often means facing disillusionment—not just with teachers like Piper, but with ourselves and the life we live.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized this isn’t really about John Piper—or any teacher, for that matter. It’s about us. It’s about what happens as we grow in faith, navigating the now and not yet tension the Bible so beautifully outlines. Sanctification, that slow process of becoming more like Christ, doesn’t always look like triumph. Sometimes, it looks like letting go—of idealism, of heroes, of the need to have it all figured out. And maybe that’s a blessing in disguise.

I used to think maturity meant getting stronger, more certain, more "satisfied" in the way Piper described. But lately, I wonder if it’s the opposite. Maybe God is most glorified in us when we come to the end of ourselves—when we realize there’s nothing glorious in us apart from Him. It’s not that Piper’s wrong—his call to find joy in God still rings true—but I think that joy takes on a humbler shape as we grow. It becomes less about achieving some spiritual high and more about a quiet, desperate reliance on His grace and mercy.

Piper's original quote that is connected to Christian Hedonism is not a Bible verse- he never said it was- 'God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him"- that is not a bad statement, and to be honest is commentary and not theology.

My statement is neither better, nor worse- but is is also not Scriptural:

"God is most glorified in us when we realize we have no capacity to be satisfied in Him and thus realize that His grace is all we have for any anchor of hope to be found righteous and justified"

That X post didn’t make me turn on Piper. If anything, it made me more grateful—for him and for other teachers who have pointed me to the one thing that never fails: Scripture. Teachers guide us, but they are not the path itself. And when we start to see their cracks—or our own—it’s not a failure. It’s a gift. Disillusionment, change, struggles—these are the chisels of sanctification, stripping away what doesn’t belong until we’re left clinging to one thread:

"By grace you have been saved through faith" (Ephesians 2:8).

Nothing good in us, yet everything good in Him.

The Subtle Letdowns

It isn’t just in the big things; this pattern of disillusionment plays out in almost every aspect of life.

I’ve always thought it fitting that Pip, in Great Expectations, experienced the slow unraveling of his world:

"All the truths of my position came flashing on me; and its disappointments, dangers, disgraces, consequences of all kinds, rushed in in such a multitude that I was borne down by them and had to struggle for every breath I drew."

But it wasn’t the dramatic losses that hit him first—it was the small, subtle letdowns:

"My (new) clothes were rather a disappointment, of course. Probably every new and eagerly expected garment ever put on since clothes came in, fell a trifle short of the wearer's expectation."

Isn’t that the truth? We are conditioned—especially in the Western world—to desire the finest and fastest. A lifetime of commercials, movies, and marketing has set our expectations high. Every item, destination, and experience is sold to us as the Cadillac of... something.

The Bible’s Perspective

But what does the Bible say about this? Quite a lot, actually.

We see a glimpse of it in Proverbs, written largely by Solomon—a man who indulged in wealth, power, and pleasure. Consider these words from Proverbs 23:

1 When you sit to dine with a ruler,
note well what is before you,
2 and put a knife to your throat
if you are given to gluttony.
3 Do not crave his delicacies,
for that food is deceptive.
4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich;
do not trust your own cleverness.
5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,
for they will surely sprout wings
and fly off to the sky like an eagle.

History and literature are full of cautionary tales about this. Some of the wealthiest, most famous people in the world have reached the top, only to realize they still haven’t found what they’re looking for.

One of the most tragic examples is Guy de Maupassant, the famous 19th-century French writer. He had it all—talent, wealth, status, charm. He dined in the finest places, entertained the most beautiful women, and sailed on luxurious yachts.

Yet, on New Year’s Day of his 41st year, he was already a broken man. Ravaged by disease and consumed by loneliness, he cried out in chilling starkness:

"I have coveted everything and taken pleasure in nothing!"

The next day, he tried to take his own life. He was committed to an asylum and died a year later in despair.

Why?

Because the things of this world lose their luster. They were never meant to be ultimate things.

Learning Contentment

The Bible calls us to a life of discipline and godly contentment—not as a restriction, but as a safeguard. The shift from enjoying the good life to longing for the good life is subtle. The gap between having good things and needing good things is almost imperceptible.

That’s why my message is never "wealth is sinful," or "success should make you feel guilty." It’s simply this: Be grateful. Hold it all with an open hand.

We all have deep thirsts—love, significance, companionship, security, meaning. But when we go to the wrong fountain—fortune, fame, power, pleasure—we end up more thirsty and more addicted.

Jesus offers living water. Our thirst is ultimately for something eternal, something divine. That’s why Matthew 6:33 tells us:

"Seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you."

The Life of Contentment

So how do we live this out? A few practical steps:

1. Honor and serve those who have less. Not for show, not for guilt relief—but to truly see their worth. Proverbs 22:2 reminds us: "Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all."

2. Pray for the balance between contentment and complacency. We’re called to work diligently but not chase riches. Ask yourself: What drives me? Why? Where is God’s will in my pursuits?

3. Give generously. Nothing slays the dragon of greed like giving. Tithing isn't about God needing our money—it’s about our hearts needing to let go.

4. Practice thankfulness. When you experience success—whether playing golf at an exclusive course, driving a nice car, or reaching a career milestone—praise God for it. Hold it loosely. Ask how you can bless others.

Ultimately, the life of contentment isn’t about having less. It’s about needing less. It’s about finding our deepest satisfaction in Christ alone and that is a humble reliance on divine grace that this is not achievable, though we never give up the quest.

Because when everything else fades, when the disillusionment sets in, and when we’re left with nothing but Him—that’s when we realize He is enough.

And let us NOT forget what Lewis told us in Mere Christianity- if I find in this life desires that are empty and without satisfaction... maybe I was not made for this world, maybe I was made for another world!

The link below has a song related to this:

ANOTHER WORLD

“The Christian says, 'Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exists. A baby feels hunger: well, there is such a thing as food. A duckling wants to swim: well, there is such a thing as water. Men feel sexual desire: well, there is such a thing as sex. If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. If none of my earthly pleasures satisfy it, that does not prove that the universe is a fraud. Probably earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it, but only to arouse it, to suggest the real thing. If that is so, I must take care, on the one hand, never to despise, or to be unthankful for, these earthly blessings, and on the other, never to mistake them for the something else of which they are only a kind of copy, or echo, or mirage. I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country, which I shall not find till after death; I must never let it get snowed under or turned aside; I must make it the main object of life to press on to that country and to help others to do the same.”

― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

The Mercy of Lost Memories: A Reflection on Memory, Innocence, and the Fall

Note: This post is a further elaboration of the phenomenon of 'lost memories'- infant amnesia in the youth of life and conditions like dementia at the end of life. I wrote a short story, Echoes in the Mist a week or so ago exploring this... but I keep thinking about it.

I keep forgettin' we're not in love anymore

I keep forgettin' things will never be the same again

I keep forgettin' how you made that so clear

I keep forgettin'

Michael McDonald- "I Keep Forgetting"

Have you ever wondered why you don’t remember your earliest years? Scientists call it ‘childhood amnesia’—the universal experience of being unable to recall events from infancy and early childhood. While we have photos, videos, and family stories that piece together our beginnings, our own personal recollection is missing. The brain, still developing in those early years, isn’t fully equipped to form the kinds of autobiographical memories that persist into adulthood. But what if this forgetfulness is actually a mercy? What if childhood amnesia serves as a protective mechanism, shielding the youngest and most vulnerable from experiences they cannot yet process or understand?

In literature-  the "Pool of Nepenthe" as well opens a rich avenue to connect childhood amnesia with a symbolic motif tied to memory, forgetting, and relief from pain. 

“Nepenthe” originates in ancient Greek literature, most famously from Homer’s Odyssey. In Book 4, Helen slips a drug called nepenthe into the wine of Telemachus and Menelaus to ease their sorrow over Odysseus’ absence. The term itself blends “ne-” (not) and “penthos” (grief), suggesting a substance or state that banishes sorrow by inducing forgetfulness. 

Over time, nepenthe evolved into a broader literary symbol—a mythical elixir or pool offering oblivion, peace, or escape from painful memories. I also think of Edgar Allan Poe’s reference in “The Raven,” where the narrator longs for “respite and nepenthe” from the torment of lost love, or its echoes in Romantic and Gothic works where characters seek solace from haunting pasts.

Unfortunately, for the adult, there isn't a pool of forgetfulness in spite of thousands of country songs longing for the '80 Proof Bottle of Tear Stopper (George Strait)' and Jason Aldean’s “Drowns the Whiskey,” with Miranda Lambert’s harmonies, flips the script: “Whiskey’s supposed to drown the memory / I’ve gone from one to one too many,” lamenting that even whiskey can’t overpower the past.

These songs don’t just long for forgetfulness—they wrestle with the promise and its limits, much like childhood amnesia shields us until memory catches up. They’re tales of yearning for a nepenthe-like release, yet finding it fleeting in a world marked by the fall.

Now, relating this to childhood amnesia: the “pool of nepenthe” could serve as a literary parallel to the natural forgetting of early years. Just as nepenthe in literature washes away grief or trauma, childhood amnesia might function as a kind of organic nepenthe—a mechanism that submerges the fevers, fears, and vulnerabilities of infancy beneath a veil of oblivion. In this sense, it’s protective. Where a child lacks the context to process startling events or injuries, amnesia acts as a balm, sparing them the burden of carrying those raw, unfiltered experiences into conscious awareness. It’s not a literal drug or pool, but a developmental grace that mirrors nepenthe’s effect—offering innocence a chance to linger before the harsh realities of life take hold.

In literary works, nepenthe often carries a bittersweet edge. It relieves pain but at the cost of memory itself—sometimes erasing joy alongside sorrow. Childhood amnesia shares this ambiguity: it shields innocence but also leaves us detached from our earliest selves, reliant on external narratives (like family stories or videos). A character sipping from a pool of nepenthe might forget a traumatic betrayal, much like a child forgets a frightening night, yet both lose something in the process—a piece of their story. This tension could reflect the fall’s legacy: even protective mechanisms bear the mark of a broken world, pointing to a need for redemption beyond mere forgetting.

Consider a work like William Wordsworth’s “Ode: Intimations of Immortality,” where he mourns the fading “visionary gleam” of childhood—a state of wonder lost as adult awareness grows. Childhood amnesia aligns with this fading, and nepenthe could symbolize the mechanism behind it: a pool we all dip into unknowingly, preserving innocence until we’re ready (or forced) to face the full scope of good and evil. 

The Protective Nature of Lost Memories

Early childhood is a time of exploration, rapid growth, and, inevitably, physical and emotional challenges. Infants and toddlers endure fevers, falls, overwhelming stimuli, and even emotional distress, yet these moments do not persist in conscious memory. Why? Because the hippocampus, the brain’s center for memory consolidation, is still forming, and language—an essential tool for structuring and retrieving memories—is in its early stages of development. Without mature cognitive processing, a child cannot make sense of trauma or fear in the way an older person can. If we carried vivid memories of every scrape, every moment of separation anxiety, or every loud, startling sound from infancy, it could create unnecessary burdens of fear and confusion.

This neurological design suggests an intentional grace—(a possible clue to the divine fingerprint and not evolution?) — it allows children to develop without being weighed down by experiences they cannot yet interpret. They move forward, learning anew, unburdened by a past they were never ready to comprehend.

A Theological Parallel: Innocence and the Fall

From a biblical perspective, this phenomenon has striking parallels to the story of Genesis. Before the fall, Adam and Eve lived in a state of innocence. They were fully human, made in God’s image, yet without the burden of knowing good and evil. When they ate from the forbidden tree, their eyes were “opened” (Genesis 3:7), and they entered into a world of moral complexity, guilt, and shame. As Genesis 3:22 says, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil.” Their innocence was lost, and with it came the full weight of human accountability.

Childhood amnesia mirrors this in a small yet profound way. A child, like Adam and Eve before the fall, exists in a state of innocence—not sinless by nature, but unaware of the moral dimensions of their actions. They live in trust, in dependence, in an unselfconscious existence. Then, gradually, awareness comes. They begin to understand right and wrong. They feel guilt. They recognize consequences. Just as Adam and Eve moved from innocence to knowledge, every human being experiences a shift from childhood’s protected simplicity to the full responsibility of moral awareness.

The Age of Accountability and God’s Mercy

Many evangelical traditions teach the concept of an ‘age of accountability’—the idea that before a child reaches an understanding of sin and moral responsibility, they are under God’s grace in a unique way. This aligns with childhood amnesia in a striking manner. If a young child cannot recall or process their earliest experiences, could this be a form of divine protection? Not just neurologically, but spiritually?

There seems to be a biblical precedent for God’s special mercy toward children. Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:6 warn of the severe consequences of leading a child astray, affirming their vulnerability and worth in God’s eyes. The way Jesus welcomed children and blessed them highlights His care for those who are not yet fully aware of sin’s weight.

I have always thought of David, after the child passed away from his affair with Bathsheba- 

 But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David understood that the child was dead. And David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” They said, “He is dead.” [20] Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes. And he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. He then went to his own house. And when he asked, they set food before him, and he ate. [21] Then his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive; but when the child died, you arose and ate food.” [22] He said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows whether the LORD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ [23] But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.” (2 Samuel 12:19–23 ESV)

I have always tended to hold this verse as evidence that children go to heaven after they die.

These understandings should shape how we treat children. 

If childhood is a season of protected innocence, then we are called to safeguard it. Without the ability to form clear autobiographical memories, young children rely on us—parents, caregivers, and communities—to narrate their world for them. The love, security, and guidance we provide in those early years set the foundation for their future understanding of themselves and of God. While they may not remember the bedtime prayers, the gentle discipline, or the moments of reassurance, these experiences shape them in ways deeper than conscious recall. They prepare a child for the day when their ‘eyes open’ to the complexities of life.

The Redemption of Memory

While childhood amnesia serves a protective function, it is not permanent. Memories eventually form, and awareness grows. With that awareness comes the reality of sin, brokenness, and suffering. But the good news of the Gospel is that Christ offers something far greater than a simple forgetting of the past—He offers redemption. If childhood amnesia provides temporary protection, salvation in Christ offers eternal restoration. Through His sacrifice, we are not merely shielded from the weight of sin; we are freed from it.

Ultimately, childhood amnesia reminds us of God’s grace. It allows children to develop unburdened by what they cannot yet comprehend. It parallels the innocence of Eden before the fall and aligns with the biblical emphasis on God’s mercy toward the young. As we reflect on this reality, may it stir us to gratitude for the way God has designed our minds and our spiritual journeys—and may it challenge us to protect, nurture, and guide the children entrusted to us with wisdom and love.

DO NOT FORGET

While childhood amnesia and the literary “pool of nepenthe” suggest a protective forgetting, Scripture repeatedly calls us to resist oblivion when it comes to God’s works and truth—anchoring us in remembrance as we navigate a fallen world. 

In Deuteronomy 4:9, Moses urges Israel, “Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life.” Similarly, Psalm 103:2 exhorts, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,” tying memory to gratitude and faithfulness. After the fall, where innocence gave way to knowledge of good and evil, God doesn’t leave us to drift in a haze of amnesia or escapism; instead, Joshua 1:13 reminds the people to “remember the word that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you,” ensuring they carry forward the covenant. 

For the Christian, this call to “not forget” balances childhood’s fleeting shield—redeeming our stories not through erasure, but through Christ, who remembers us fully and restores what sin has marred.

A Tribute to Sam Walter Foss: The Poet of the Everyday Man

I’ve always loved poetry that feels like a friend—words that don’t loom over you with grandiosity but sit beside you, warm and familiar. The Fireside Poets—Longfellow with his storytelling, Whittier with his quiet truths—first lit that spark for me. But it was Sam Walter Foss who turned it into a fire. His verses taught me that the everyday—grass underfoot, a kind word, a Monday morning—could sing. That discovery fueled my hobby of writing lyrics and pairing them with AI-generated music, leading me to a song I’m proud to share: “Weekdays with Foss.”

Who Was Sam Walter Foss?

Born in 1858 in New Hampshire, Foss was a librarian by trade and a poet by heart. He didn’t write for ivory towers; he wrote for the “everyday man,” the folks passing by what he called “the house by the side of the road.” His most famous poem, The House by the Side of the Road, is a gentle plea to “be a friend to man,” a call for kindness that feels as urgent now as it did then. Another gem, The Coming American, dreams of “men who are strong and sincere”—honest souls who dare to aspire. Across hundreds of poems, often tucked into newspapers and magazines, Foss built a library of ordinary wonders.


What I love most about Foss is his knack for turning the mundane into music. Take The Calf-Path, where he chuckles at our stubborn habits with a wink and a grin. Or his lines that bubble with laughter and play, reminding us to find joy in the small stuff. That’s what inspired “Weekdays with Foss.” I imagined cracking open his pages each Monday, letting his words break the cage of routine and ignite my soul’s inner fire. His poetry feels like a companion—one who knows how it goes and still finds a reason to smile.

If you look at how I have written lyrics and music- it has the inspiration of Foss all over it. It may not be popular among the masses... but I like it.... LOL.

In a world that’s loud and tangled, Foss’s focus on kindness and simplicity feels like a balm. His “house by the side of the road” and many other moods, humor, and even BAD poems still stands, welcoming us to pause and connect. 

Multigenre- if you want a 'style' find collections under playlists and albums

Come connect with me on SoundCloud- it's all free..... Jayopsis on SoundCloud

Reclaiming Truth: Blending Metacognition and Epistemology in a World of Deception

Over the past few years, I’ve watched disinformation flood our feeds, worldliness lull the church to sleep, and a generation drift in a sea of nonsense. It’s a crisis of truth—urgent, pervasive, and personal. I’ve written about this on jayopsis.com, from my 2022 epistemology series to my recent dive into metacognitive tools. 

Today, I want to pull these threads together: we need to re-teach epistemology—how to justify belief with logic—and pair it with practical metacognition—how to think about our thinking—to equip this generation to find truth amid deception.

Social media amplifies catchy lies over quiet facts. Political seasons sway voters with emotion, not reason. Echo chambers—algorithmic and cultural—trap us in what seems true, not what is true. I wrote in 2022 about the electorate’s struggle to make wise choices, arguing that education, especially Christian education, must teach how we know, not just what we know. 

But it’s bigger than politics. As I explored this summer, inspired by Os Guinness, the church is losing the messaging war to worldliness—a “Sandman Effect” that normalizes sin and redefines belief as plausibility, not reality. Beyond our borders, I see a global shift eroding Christian roots, a deception we ignore at our peril.

We’re not just drowning in bad information; we lack the tools to process any of it. Post-modern moods prize feelings over logic. Kids judge truth by slick TED talks (is that a thing anymore?) or podcasts, not Scripture. Even we believers fall into infighting or nostalgia instead of forging ahead. The stakes? A generation that can’t discern truth from nonsense—and a church too sleepy to lead them.

Epistemology: The Foundation

Epistemology—“the theory of justified belief”—is our anchor. In my series, Developing and Implementing a System of Justified Belief Within the Context of Biblical Education, I called for teaching students to evaluate sources, spot fallacies, and ground their beliefs in logic and God’s Word. It’s not enough to know facts; we must know why they’re true. This counters disinformation with classical skepticism—probing, testing, reasoning—not cynicism. It demands free speech and civilized debate, spaces where ideas clash and truth emerges. Without this, we’re prey to every viral lie or sleek half-truth.

Guinness showed me the church’s blind spot: we lean on history and culture but neglect epistemology—the justification of knowledge. In a world of shallow tweets and relativism, we must demand logical footing. Why do you believe that? How do you know? These questions cut through the fog, rooting us in reality when feelings falter.

Metacognition: The Tools

But knowing how we know needs a partner: knowing how we think. That’s where my 11 metacognitive tools come in—practical steps from Scripture and cognitive science to sharpen our minds. Here’s how they blend with epistemology:

The Mind Mirror (2 Corinthians 13:5) and Clarity Lens (John 8:32) push us to reflect honestly—do my beliefs hold up?—pairing self-awareness with truth-seeking.

The Bias Barometer (Proverbs 18:17) and Echo Filter (Proverbs 15:22) expose distortions and echo chambers, demanding we justify beliefs beyond bias or groupthink.

The Cognitive Compass (Proverbs 3:5-6) and Thinking Map (Philippians 4:8) align our reasoning with God’s unchanging Word, not cultural whims.

The Confidence Scale (Romans 12:3) and Mind Checkpoint (Psalm 46:10) balance certainty with humility, pausing to test our logic against reality.


These tools aren’t about perfect thinking—they’re about refining it. They help us slow down (Crisis Mode, James 1:19), shift perspectives (Perception Pivot, Matthew 5–7), and analyze our own distortions (Metacog Matrix, Proverbs 4:7). Together, they equip us to navigate deception with wisdom.


Here’s my idea: weave epistemology and metacognition into education and discipleship. Teach kids to question how they know with logic, not just accept what’s plausible. Train them to monitor their thoughts, rooting out nonsense with tools like these. For the church, it’s time to wake up—stay salt and light (Matthew 5:13) by grounding in Scripture, loving sinners, and confronting falsehood boldly. This isn’t theory; it’s survival.

A strange twist to this is that I'm not necessarily calling for formal training in logic- I'm trying to find high level of thinking skills to ask great questions and through civil collaboration find practical, applicable common sense.

We are losing it in theology as well. We have a gulf of difference between those who want nothing to do with theology and others who get lost in a maze of 'new discoveries' that has little to do with Scriptural authority or application.

An underlying philosophical foundation of this exploration resonates with me are the principles of Scottish Common Sense Realism, a theological and philosophical movement that emerged in the 18th century. Thinkers like Thomas Reid argued that our perceptions, though not infallible, generally correspond to reality and can be trusted unless proven otherwise. This perspective influenced much of Protestant theology, especially in the United States, by emphasizing that ordinary human reasoning—rooted in common sense—is capable of grasping fundamental truths about God, morality, and reality. This framework complements the goal of metacognitive tools, encouraging us to rely on reason, experience, and Scripture to discern truth while remaining vigilant against distortions and biases.

In a world of deception, truth still stands—objective, unshaken, Christ-centered. As we await His return, let’s disciple a generation that thinks clearly, believes justly, and hears the Shepherd’s voice. Turn off the screens, open the Bible, and start asking: How do I know? How am I thinking? The answers might just change everything.

Sharpening Our Thinking: The Final Five Tools

 

Since I had a full President's Day weekend to write a little- I decided to close out the Feb Series- way ahead of the original plan. I'm not sure what I want to study next.... may take a little time off.

The purpose of this series on Metacognition was to challenge us to explore a more coherent epistemology and examine our own faulty thinking. 

As I read posts on social media... there is a lot of toxic thunking going on and many people can get hurt by bad ideas..... here is the last post:

Over the past few posts, we've been building a toolkit to help us think clearly, seek truth, and navigate life with wisdom. Today, we wrap up with the last five tools, each designed to refine our perception, decision-making, and response to challenges.

These tools help us cut through mental fog, test our assumptions, and stay grounded in truth. Let’s explore them.

 The Clarity Lens: Removing Mental Fog

Distorted thinking can obscure our perception of reality. The Clarity Lens helps us strip away false assumptions, emotional distortions, and biases so we can see things as they truly are.

Jesus declared:

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." — John 8:32

Seeing clearly requires us to:

• Check for distortions – Are we assuming the worst? Overgeneralizing? Letting emotions skew the facts?
• Compare with Scripture – God's truth is the ultimate clarity lens.
• Seek outside perspective – Others can help us see what we may be missing.

When we remove the fog, we gain wisdom, peace, and freedom.

The Confidence Scale: Aligning Confidence with Reality

We often either overestimate or underestimate our knowledge and abilities. The Confidence Scale asks: Is my confidence level accurate?

Romans 12:3 warns us:

"Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment."

Practical steps to use this tool:

• Self-check: Am I assuming I know more than I do? Or am I doubting what I do know?
• Test assumptions: What evidence supports my belief? What contradicts it?
• Embrace humility: The wisest people acknowledge what they don’t know.

Right-sizing our confidence leads to better decision-making and deeper learning.

The Mind Checkpoint: Stopping for a Thought Inspection

Just as a security checkpoint forces travelers to stop and be inspected, The Mind Checkpoint helps us pause and assess our thoughts before moving forward.

Psalm 46:10 reminds us:

"Be still, and know that I am God."

This tool encourages us to:

• Pause before reacting – Is this thought rational, true, and helpful?
• Examine emotions – Is fear, anger, or pride driving my response?
• Replace lies with truth – Align thoughts with Scripture and reality.

In a fast-moving world, intentional thought checkpoints lead to wiser choices.

 The Echo Filter: Breaking Free from Echo Chambers

Many people only hear reinforcing voices that confirm what they already believe. The Echo Filter helps us break out of these loops and seek a fuller understanding of truth.

Proverbs 15:22 teaches:

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed."

How to use the Echo Filter:

• Expose yourself to different perspectives – Read, listen, and talk with people outside your bubble.
• Seek truth, not just agreement – Are you open to being wrong? It's ok to admit AND SAY!
• Test ideas against Scripture – God’s truth remains the final filter.

Breaking out of an echo chamber sharpens discernment and deepens wisdom.

The Crisis Mode: Thinking Clearly Under Pressure

When faced with urgent situations, our emotions can hijack our thinking. The Crisis Mode tool helps us slow down, seek wisdom, and respond rather than react.

It takes practice and forethought to survive a crisis. It takes character and resilience. I also think that people who have a deep and authentic faith handle pressure well because they know God is ultimately in control.

I have heard it said- in a crisis we don't rise to the occasion, we fall back on our training!

James 1:19 reminds us:

"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."

When in crisis:

• Pause and breathe – A rushed decision is often a poor one.
• Seek wisdom – Pray, reflect, and get wise counsel.
• Respond with clarity, not panic – Fear clouds judgment; faith brings peace.

Wise thinking in crisis prevents regret and leads to better outcomes.

The Complete Toolkit

We now have 11 powerful thinking tools:

1. The Mind Mirror → Self-awareness in thought
2. The Cognitive Compass → Seeking truth beyond emotions
3. The Bias Barometer → Detecting distortions
4. The Perception Pivot → Challenging assumptions
5. The Thinking Map → Charting thought patterns
6. The Metacog Matrix → Evaluating mental processes
7. The Clarity Lens → Removing mental fog
8. The Confidence Scale → Aligning confidence with reality
9. The Mind Checkpoint → Stopping for a thought inspection
10. The Echo Filter → Breaking free from echo chambers
11. The Crisis Mode → Thinking clearly under pressure

Each tool equips us to think wisely, navigate life’s challenges, and align our minds with truth.

Echoes in the Mist- A Short Story

Another aspect of metacognition is the strange passage of time where memory fades. We often think of conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s, but there is also the memory we lose at the very beginning of life. Infantile amnesia—the phenomenon where people cannot recall experiences from their early years, typically before the age of three or four—occurs because the brain, still developing key structures for long-term memory, processes and stores information differently during infancy. Though these moments shape who we become, they often dissolve into the subconscious, leaving only fragments or impressions rather than clear recollections.

The boy walked slowly up the cracked concrete path, hands shoved deep in his jacket pockets. The crisp scent of early autumn filled the air—woodsmoke, damp leaves, the faint bite of cold that hinted at winter’s approach. Red and gold leaves spiraled from the trees, drifting lazily toward the ground.

He wished he could enjoy it.

Instead, a knot tightened in his chest as he reached the small white house, its sagging porch lined with flower pots long since abandoned. His grandfather’s house. His grandfather, who barely knew him now.

Inside, the air was thick with the scent of medicine and old books. A clock ticked softly from the wall, its steady rhythm the only thing bridging past and present.

There he was.

Propped up in bed, his once-proud grandfather gazed out the window, silent, eyes fixed on the fluttering leaves outside. His face, once strong and commanding, had softened into something fragile. A man unmoored from time.

“Hey, Pop,” the boy said, shifting awkwardly in the doorway.

No response.

He stepped closer. “It’s me, Danny.”

Still, nothing. Just that distant, empty stare.

Frustration swelled in his chest. He wanted—needed—something from the old man. Recognition, a flicker of the sharp wit that had once guided him through childhood, a moment where he wasn’t just a stranger standing in this dimly lit room.

“You used to take me to the lake,” Danny tried. “Remember? We’d fish all morning, and you’d laugh at me when I got my line tangled.”

The silence pressed against him.

His throat tightened.

“This isn’t fair,” he muttered.

He turned away, eyes landing on the nightstand beside the bed. There, half-hidden beneath a pair of reading glasses, was an old photograph.

Danny picked it up.

It was worn, edges curled, the colors faded with time. But he knew the moment it captured. A young boy—him, barely three—perched on his grandfather’s knee. The old man’s face was full of life, his laugh frozen in time as the child in his arms giggled, tiny hands clinging to his suspenders.

Danny frowned. He didn’t remember this.

The thought hit him like a gust of cold wind. 

He too had many moments that he didn’t remember!

That child in the picture—the one his grandfather had held, had loved with his whole heart—was him. But that moment, that happiness, had been erased by the strange void of early childhood.

Yet here was proof. Proof of love that had once burned bright, even though time had stolen its details.

Danny swallowed hard and turned back to the bed.

“Pop,” he said softly, easing down into the chair beside him. His voice wavered. “I’m angry because you don’t remember me.”

His grandfather didn’t react, still staring at the window.

Danny took a deep breath, glancing at the photo again.

“But… here’s a beautiful moment I don’t remember.” His fingers traced the curled edge. “You, full of love and energy. Me, innocent and happy.” He paused, the weight of the realization settling deep in his bones. “Look how much you loved me!”

A tear slipped down his cheek.

“Is it too much for me to love you now?”

For the first time since he had entered the room, his grandfather’s gaze shifted.

Slowly, those aged, clouded eyes met his.

And in them—faint, flickering, but real—was something deep. Something unspoken. A connection beyond memory, beyond time.

Danny reached forward and took his grandfather’s hand. The grip was weak, but warm.

Love was deeper than either of them would ever fully know.

And some things, even time could not take away.

click on title to hear

Echoes in the Mist

Verse 1 You look at me with vacant eyes, A face you know but can’t recognize. You search for names like scattered leaves, Drifting away on an autumn breeze. Pre-Chorus I whisper stories from long ago, But do they reach you? I don’t know. Chorus Though the years have blurred the past, Love was real, and love will last. Though memories fade, love persists— Like echoes in the mist. Verse 2 Then I see a photo, me on your knee, A boy so small—was that really me? Laughing, running, held so tight, But those days are lost to time’s dim light. Pre-Chorus I don’t recall the games we played, Yet proof of love still fills the frame. Chorus Though the years have blurred the past, Love was real, and love will last. Though memories fade, love persists— Like echoes in the mist. Bridge A touch, a laugh, a fleeting song, Even when memory is gone, Love is stronger, love exists— A whisper deep within the mist. Outro I may forget, and so will you, But love remains in all we do. Though time may slip and moments twist, We’re still echoes in the mist.

Movie Review: The Butler

 Last night, I watched The Butler, and I was captivated from start to finish. It is a beautifully crafted film, both in storytelling and execution. The acting is superb, with Forest Whitaker delivering a masterful performance as Cecil Gaines, the White House butler who serves through multiple presidencies. Oprah Winfrey, as his wife Gloria, brings incredible depth to her role, and the entire ensemble cast, from Cuba Gooding Jr. to Alan Rickman, adds to the film’s powerful impact.

Beyond the performances, the imagery in the movie is striking. The film seamlessly weaves together the grandeur of the White House with the turbulent reality of the civil rights movement, using powerful visuals to contrast these two worlds. The moments of historical reenactment—from the Woolworth’s lunch counter protests to the Freedom Riders—are intense and moving. Director Lee Daniels does an incredible job of balancing intimate family struggles with the broader societal upheavals of the time.

After watching, I was intrigued to learn more about the real-life inspiration behind the story, Eugene Allen. It turns out the film takes significant liberties with his life, particularly in its portrayal of his family and personal struggles. However, I understand why such changes were made. The filmmakers were not simply telling one man’s story; they were using his experience as a lens to explore the broader themes of race, identity, and social change in America. Sometimes, historical fiction needs to bend details in order to illuminate the deeper truths of a complex history.

One scene that particularly struck me was when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speaks to Louis Gaines, Cecil’s son, about the role of Black service workers. In the film, King explains that the butler’s role is not subservience but rather a subtle form of resistance. By serving with dignity and excellence, Black workers shattered racial stereotypes and helped advance the cause of equality in their own way. While this specific speech is not an actual King quote, it closely reflects his philosophy. King believed that dignity could be found in all work, and that excellence in service was a means of breaking down racial barriers and proving the worth of all people.

Dr. King often spoke about the dignity of labor, encouraging people to do their work with excellence. One of his most famous quotes states:

"If it falls your lot to be a street sweeper, sweep streets like Michelangelo painted pictures, like Shakespeare wrote poetry, like Beethoven composed music. Sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.’"

Another powerful statement from King reinforces this idea:

"All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence."

This principle is a lesson for all of us, no matter our profession or station in life. It reminds me of the biblical encouragement in Ecclesiastes 9:10: "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." As believers, we are called to do everything to the glory of God, whether we are leading a nation, working in a kitchen, or serving in any capacity. True greatness is found in faithfulness, humility, and excellence in whatever task we undertake.

Watching The Butler was not just an emotional journey through history, but a reminder of the power of steadfast, honorable work. The film, despite its dramatic liberties, reinforces a timeless truth: integrity and dedication in our daily tasks can have a profound impact on the world around us. And that is a message worth holding onto.

We all can find situations where we are excluded, ignored, doubted, and laughed at. Use that as fuel for success!

Here are some songs that capture these feelings and concepts:

Prove You Wrong

Weaponize the Noise

Resilient Love

Excluded, Unheard, and Devalued

Navigating the Mind: The Thinking Map and the Metacog Matrix

As we continue refining the way we think, we now turn to two more essential tools: The Thinking Map and The Metacog Matrix. These tools help us become more aware of our mental pathways and how we process our thoughts.

So far, we’ve explored the Mind Mirror (introspection), the Cognitive Compass (seeking truth over emotion), the Bias Barometer (identifying mental distortions), and the Perception Pivot (shifting perspective). Now, we focus on where our thoughts habitually take us and how we examine them for growth.

5. The Thinking Map: Charting Your Mental Terrain

Like a physical map helps us navigate terrain, a Thinking Map helps us track where our minds tend to go. Do we have well-worn paths leading to gratitude, truth, and humility, or do we frequently wander into anxiety, pride, or deception?

Philippians 4:8 provides a clear directive for healthy thought patterns:

"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

This passage encourages us to actively choose our mental pathways. If our Thinking Map repeatedly leads to fear, anger, or self-doubt, it may be time to redraw the map toward healthier perspectives.

Practical Steps for Using the Thinking Map:

• Journal Your Thought Patterns: Notice where your thoughts naturally drift in moments of stress or quiet.
• Identify Mental Ruts: Do you default to negative assumptions? Are your mental pathways leading you toward wisdom or worry?
• Create New Pathways: If your thinking leans toward anxiety, deliberately redirect it with truth. Scripture memorization and affirmations help reinforce new patterns.
• Limit Mental Pollutants: Just as we avoid hazardous roads, be mindful of what influences your thoughts—media, conversations, or habits that fuel negativity.

If you follow my reading, I suggest a February Fast- one thing to consider is a month away from social media or eliminating cable news.... you would be surprised how those 'mental pollutants' impact us! 

6. The Metacog Matrix: Thinking About Thinking

Metacognition—the ability to think about our thinking—is an essential skill for personal and intellectual growth. The Metacog Matrix helps us examine whether our thoughts are grounded in reality or distorted by cognitive traps.

Proverbs 4:7 declares:

"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."

Understanding how we think allows us to grow beyond cognitive distortions like:

• Black-and-White Thinking: Seeing situations as all good or all bad.
• Catastrophizing: Expecting the worst possible outcome.
• Emotional Reasoning: Believing something is true just because we feel it strongly.

Practical Steps for Using the Metacog Matrix:

• Pause and Reflect: Before reacting, ask: Why do I think this way? Is this conclusion based on facts or assumptions?
• Label the Distortion: Name the cognitive bias at play (e.g., "This is black-and-white thinking. Reality is more nuanced").
• Cross-Examine Your Thoughts: What evidence supports or contradicts this belief?
• Seek Wisdom: Proverbs encourages gaining understanding. Discuss your thoughts with a trusted mentor or friend who can offer perspective.

By integrating the Thinking Map and Metacog Matrix, we develop greater awareness of where our minds tend to go and how to correct faulty thinking. Next, we will explore two final tools: The Narrative Navigator and The Logic Lens, which help us shape our internal stories and reason more effectively.

Stay tuned as we continue refining the way we think!

Thinking About Thinking: The Bias Barometer and the Perception Pivot

As we continue refining our thinking tools, we move from recognizing the need for direction (The Cognitive Compass) to measuring the distortions in our judgment. Our minds, much like the weather, are subject to unseen forces—pressures, shifts, and unseen biases that influence how we perceive reality.

In this post, let's explore two more crucial tools:

• The Bias Barometer – Helping us detect mental distortions and measure their impact.
• The Perception Pivot – Training us to shift perspectives and see with fresh clarity.
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The Bias Barometer: Detecting Mental Distortions

Just as a barometer measures atmospheric pressure to predict storms, the Bias Barometer helps us recognize cognitive biases—those subtle yet powerful distortions that shape our thinking, often without us realizing it.

Proverbs 18:17 offers a critical warning: "The first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines." This verse highlights a key problem with bias: we tend to accept information at face value when it aligns with our assumptions, but a deeper look often reveals missing context or flawed reasoning.

Some common cognitive biases include:

• Confirmation Bias – Seeking out information that confirms what we already believe while ignoring contradictory evidence.
• Negativity Bias – Focusing more on negative experiences than positive ones, even when the good outweighs the bad.
• Hindsight Bias – Believing that past events were more predictable than they actually were (“I knew that would happen!”).
• Anchoring Bias – Relying too heavily on the first piece of information encountered, even if better data emerges later.

Unchecked bias can lead to poor decisions, unnecessary conflicts, and even self-deception. If we want to think wisely, we must train ourselves to recognize when bias is at work.

Practical Steps to Using the Bias Barometer:

• Pause and Reflect: Ask, “Am I reacting emotionally, or am I genuinely evaluating the evidence?”
• Seek Diverse Perspectives: Intentionally expose yourself to viewpoints that challenge your assumptions.
• Use the ‘Flip the Script’ Test: If the situation were reversed, would you still hold the same opinion?
• Invite Accountability: Allow trusted friends or mentors to challenge your thought process.

Recognizing our biases is not about erasing opinions, but about ensuring they are grounded in truth rather than mental shortcuts.

The Perception Pivot: Seeing from a New Angle

Once we become aware of biases, the next step is learning how to shift perspectives when necessary. This is where the Perception Pivot comes in—a tool that helps us step back, reconsider, and approach a situation with fresh eyes.

Jesus exemplified the power of the Perception Pivot in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). He challenged conventional wisdom and invited people to see righteousness, love, and justice through God’s lens rather than human expectations.

• "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." – Strength is found in humility, not domination.
• "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." – True love extends beyond those who treat us well.
• "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." – Our priorities reveal our true values.

Jesus flipped the script on human thinking, revealing deeper truths that many had overlooked. He calls us to do the same—to be willing to reexamine our assumptions in light of divine wisdom.

Practical Steps to Applying the Perception Pivot:

• Step Outside Yourself: Ask, “How would someone with a completely different background see this situation?”
• Examine Your Assumptions: Identify what you’ve always taken for granted and research alternative viewpoints.
• Apply Biblical Wisdom: Instead of relying only on cultural norms, measure ideas against God’s truth.
• Embrace Humility: Be willing to admit when you’ve been wrong and adjust accordingly.

Role Play Example- The Debate Over Remote Work

• Jake – A traditional manager who believes employees are only productive in the office.
• Lisa – A team leader who supports remote work as a viable option.

Jake: "I just don’t think remote work is effective. Every time we’ve tried it, productivity has dropped. People slack off when they’re not in the office."

Lisa: "That’s an interesting perspective, Jake. But let’s check our Bias Barometers here. Could it be that we’re both leaning on selective evidence? Have we looked at a full range of data?"

Jake: "I don’t need data—I’ve seen it with my own eyes. When people are in the office, I know they’re working. When they’re at home, I can’t see them, so how do I know?"

Lisa: "That sounds like an Anchoring Bias. You’re relying on visibility as your main measure of productivity, but studies show that many employees actually get more done at home with fewer distractions."

Jake: "Maybe, but I just don’t trust it. There’s no way people are as focused at home as they are in a structured office environment."

Lisa: "Let’s try a Perception Pivot. What if instead of focusing on where work happens, we focus on the results? What if you couldn’t see your employees at all—would you judge productivity based on output instead of location?"

Jake (pausing): "Huh. I guess if we looked strictly at results, it might not matter as much where they work."

Lisa: "Exactly! Instead of assuming remote work equals slacking off, what if we tested different productivity measures? Maybe the issue isn’t location, but the way we track success."

Jake: (smiling) "Alright, Lisa, you’ve got me thinking. I guess I’ve been letting my own biases cloud my judgment. Maybe we should experiment with this rather than just assuming it won’t work."

Lisa: (laughing) "Now that’s a real Perception Pivot! Let’s see where the data takes us."

Moving Forward

The Bias Barometer and the Perception Pivot work hand in hand. First, we must detect when biases are distorting our thinking. Then, we must be willing to shift our perspective when truth demands it.

Next, we’ll explore The Thinking Map, a tool that helps us trace the pathways of our thoughts and understand how our mental habits shape our decisions. Stay tuned!

Tired of Being Cheated? Thinking About Thinking

I wanted to pause briefly in listing through the tools of metacognition  to write on a great point brought out by my wife reading out of Colossians 2. As Elon Musk is revealing this week all of the corrupt ways our tax dollars have been wasted- your money and my money- taken.... but what if there is a deeper scam going on... right in our minds?!

Nobody likes being cheated. Whether it’s a scam, a rigged game, or an empty promise, we instinctively recoil at the thought of being deceived. That’s why Paul’s warning in Colossians 2:8 is so striking:

"See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."

Paul isn’t merely warning against bad ideas—he’s exposing a spiritual scam. The danger isn’t just that false philosophies exist, but that they are persuasive and empty. They look substantial but leave people robbed of what truly matters. This passage invites us not just to believe, but to think—to train our minds so we don’t fall for the counterfeits.

If we’re going to avoid being cheated, we need to develop habits of clear thinking. Let’s consider three tools: The Feynman Technique, Occam’s Razor, and Hanlon’s Razor. Each offers a way to sharpen our minds and apply the wisdom of Colossians 2 in daily life.

The Feynman Technique: Do You Really Understand?

Physicist Richard Feynman believed that if you can’t explain something simply, you don’t really understand it. His method is straightforward:

1. Choose a concept and try to explain it as if to a child.
2. Identify gaps in your explanation.
3. Simplify and refine until it makes sense.

Paul’s words challenge us to apply this to our faith. Could you explain the gospel to a 10-year-old? Could you walk someone through why Christ is better than worldly philosophy without slipping into vague, religious jargon? If not, it’s worth going deeper, filling in the gaps, and building a faith that isn’t just felt but understood.

Occam’s Razor: Is It Overcomplicated?

Occam’s Razor is the idea that the simplest explanation is usually the best. When faced with competing ideas, we should prefer the one that requires the fewest assumptions.

Many false teachings throughout history have been overly complicated—layers of rituals, secret knowledge, or convoluted reasoning. But what does Paul say in Colossians? The treasure of wisdom and knowledge is in Christ himself (Col. 2:3). The simplest truth—the one requiring the fewest leaps of logic—is that Jesus is enough. If a philosophy says you need something more than Christ, it’s likely a scam.

Hanlon’s Razor: Is It Really Malice?

Hanlon’s Razor suggests we shouldn’t attribute to malice what can be explained by ignorance or misunderstanding. In other words, not every deception is intentional.

Many people who spread bad ideas genuinely believe them. False teachers often start as the falsely taught. This doesn’t excuse the damage they cause, but it does change how we respond. Paul warns against deception, but in the same letter, he tells us to let our conversations be “full of grace” (Col. 4:6). Clear thinking isn’t about arrogance—it’s about discernment wrapped in love.

Thinking to Avoid Being Cheated

Colossians 2 shows us that deception isn’t just an intellectual issue—it’s a spiritual one. We are either being built up in Christ (Col. 2:7) or taken captive by empty philosophies (Col. 2:8). And the difference often comes down to whether we think clearly.

• Are we settling for slogans or pressing for deeper understanding? (Feynman)
• Are we caught up in overcomplicated religious systems when Christ is enough? (Occam)
• Are we assuming malice in others when we should respond with wisdom and grace? (Hanlon)

Thinking well is an act of faithfulness. It protects us from being cheated, and it keeps us anchored in the truth that is worth more than any counterfeit.

related song: Cheated by Fools Gold

Thinking About Thinking: The Cognitive Compass and the Bias Barometer

As we continue our exploration of thinking patterns, we move from the first tool—the Mind Mirror—to two more crucial instruments for cognitive clarity: the Cognitive Compass and the Bias Barometer. These tools help us navigate mental landscapes, avoid pitfalls of bias, and align our thoughts with wisdom and truth.

Where We've Been and Where We're Going

In the first post, I introduced the idea that faulty thinking can have serious consequences, much like a navigational or mechanical failure in aviation. Introspection, guided by the Mind Mirror, is our first step in diagnosing these errors. Now, we turn to the importance of direction and measurement in our thinking.

2. The Cognitive Compass: Finding True North in Thought

Since ancient times, travelers have relied on the North Star as a fixed point of reference. A compass helps navigate the journey by consistently pointing north, offering a steady guide amidst shifting surroundings. Likewise, we need an internal cognitive compass to keep our thinking aligned with truth and wisdom.

Proverbs 3:5-6 provides a guiding principle: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." When we rely solely on our emotions, fleeting cultural trends, or personal desires, we risk drifting off course. Our compass must be calibrated to something unchanging—God’s wisdom.

Practical Steps to Aligning the Cognitive Compass:

• Establish Your North Star: Regularly immerse yourself in Scripture and seek wisdom from trusted sources.

• Check for Drift: Ask yourself, “Am I being led by truth or by my emotions?”

• Seek Wise Counsel: Proverbs 11:14 reminds us that “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”

• Adjust as Needed: Just as a sailor corrects course when noticing a deviation, we must be willing to change our thinking when confronted with truth.

3. The Bias Barometer: Measuring Mental Distortions

 Meteorologists use barometers to measure atmospheric pressure and anticipate storms, we must develop the ability to recognize biases that distort our thinking. Biases are subtle, deeply ingrained tendencies that affect our judgment, often without us realizing it.

Proverbs 18:17 warns, "The first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines." This highlights how easily we can be convinced by our own perspective, especially when we fail to challenge our assumptions.

Some common biases include:

• Confirmation Bias: Favoring information that supports our preexisting beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence.

• Negativity Bias: Giving more weight to negative experiences than positive ones.

• Hindsight Bias: Believing past events were more predictable than they actually were.

• Anchoring Bias: Relying too heavily on the first piece of information encountered.

Remember- the algorithms used in your social media are designed to feed your bias, it is a way to make sure you keep clicking...... 

Practical Steps to Using the Bias Barometer:

• Identify Your Biases: Regularly examine whether your assumptions are based on evidence or preference.

• Seek Opposing Views: Intentionally read or listen to perspectives that challenge your own.

• Ask the Right Questions: Instead of asking, “How am I right?” ask, “What might I be missing?”

• Invite Constructive Criticism: Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Let others challenge your views.

Sometimes you can create 'scenarios' where you can role play these situations as a practice test- here is an example:

Role-Play: Recognizing Confirmation Bias

Characters:

• Alex: A history student working on a research paper.
• Jordan: A friend and fellow student with a different perspective.

Scene:
Alex is sitting in the library, sifting through articles on their laptop, when Jordan walks in and joins them.

Jordan: Hey, how’s the research going?

Alex: Pretty good! I’m writing about the causes of the economic crisis in the 1930s, and I found some great sources that support my argument.

Jordan: Nice. What’s your argument?

Alex: I think government policies were mostly to blame. I’ve found a bunch of articles and economists who agree.

Jordan: Did you look at any sources that suggest other factors, like global trade issues or banking failures?

Alex: Not really. I mean, I already know government policies played the biggest role, so I focused on that.

Jordan: That sounds a bit like confirmation bias.

Alex: What do you mean?

Jordan: Well, you’re mainly looking for evidence that supports what you already believe, instead of considering all possible causes. What if there’s a bigger picture?

Alex: Huh. I guess I’ve been filtering out opposing viewpoints without realizing it. Maybe I should check out other perspectives to get a fuller understanding.

Jordan: Exactly! Even if you still believe your original argument, at least you’ll know you’ve considered all the angles.

Alex: Good point. I’ll find some counterarguments and see how they compare. Thanks for the nudge!

I like these two tools! We have to have true north but we also need to 'listen' to opposing viewpoints.....

By using the Cognitive Compass and the Bias Barometer, we develop a more disciplined, truth-oriented approach to thinking. These tools help us avoid being swept away by misleading ideas and ensure that our mental navigation remains steady and grounded in wisdom.

For the next post, I will explore the Perception Pivot and the Thinking Map—two tools that help us reframe our perspectives and understand the pathways our thoughts travel. Stay tuned as we continue refining the way we think!