The world is one vast sea of people and their experiences; paradoxically, it can feel like a tiny social circle. Some spend their whole lives never having the opportunity to explore. These people live their lives feeling they have nothing else to experience. People are so focused on their own lives that they forget the importance of the lives around them.
Yet does this limited worldview we succumb to discredit our life experience? How can we expand our worldview?
Regardless of the size of our worldview, every individual is equally important in the conglomerate of all human experiences and worldviews. Although a person in California can fail to understand the lifestyle of a Texan, each of their outlooks is valuable.
Both groups of people live in pure ignorance of the other, yet concurrently they are experiencing the same world. By simply living, they develop practices, cultures, and traditions that benefit their respective societies. Each individual in these differing societies holds varying viewpoints, and each is equally as valid as the next.
As differing societies and cultures of people confluence one another in greater ways through mass media, it is becoming increasingly important to embrace the cultural backgrounds of others. This involves understanding the cultural heritage and keeping an open mind about opposing worldviews. This allows us to better understand the world and people surrounding us.
Why is it especially essential for Christians to keep an open mind?
The truth is that no one can see the world holistically. As Christians and individuals, we need to realize this fact. No matter what we do, it is impossible to know everything that there is to know about others and their background.
Proverbs 28:26 states, “If you think you know it all, you are a fool for sure; real survivors learn from the wisdom of others.” This proverb conveys that only a fool believes they know all, while those who survive learn from the wisdom of others. As Christians, we need to remember that no single one knows everything.
Ed Parker, the founder of American Kenpo, once said, “One becomes great when he comes to the realization that he knows very little.” No matter the depth of the sea to our knowledge, the singular perspective we live with throughout our lives falls compared to the cumulative human experience. When we fully grasp this concept, we greatly grow as people.
How can we expand our worldview?
Through conversing with people who differ from our perspective, even slightly, we enrich ourselves with their viewpoint. Speaking with people of differing opinions and understanding their perspectives expands our scope of the world. This gives us a slightly more holistic view of the world.
The simple act of conversing with people connects us significantly. As the globalization of our era continues, we remain united by being open-minded individuals.
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