BLOGGING TOWARD SUNDAY…

I just discovered that one of the principles which I consider among the most important things I have ever learned has a name!  The principle, which I have believed and taught for many years, and whose application has helped an untold number of people, is this:  Very seldom does anyone think/reason their way into new ways of acting/being; rather, we most often act our way into a new way of being. 

The principle of cognitive dissonance proposes that people have a motivational drive to reduce dissonance in their lives by changing their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.  That is, when we understand the kind of person we want to become, we start acting like that person, and as we act we actually become that person.

The best application I can think of of the principle is this:  Jesus commanded us to love, and to love not only our friends, but our enemies also.  I am incapable of conjuring up a loving feeling toward my enemies, but I am certainly capable of treating them/acting toward them in a loving fashion.  Then, as I continue to act in loving ways, the feeling of love almost inevitably follows.

If we were to practice cognitive dissonance in all our relationships, we would likely find ourselves becoming the persons God would have us be.

Filed under: Blogging Toward Sunday