A versatile list that can apply to topics of theology, politics, parenting, church policy, and social issues. Use it as a handy map to get you from Point A to Point B.

Changing Your Mind: The Steps
(One route – in 16 parts)

1. Experience pride that you have your mind made up on the issue at hand

2. Hear the differing opinion of a person with whom you disagree (the ‘opponent’) and disregard it as crazy

3. Hear the differing opinion of the opponent – think ‘Okay, valid points, but still wrong’

4. Note someone in agreement with you acting poorly – ‘Get off my side’

5. Hear someone in agreement with you, but stating it improperly – ‘Please don’t say it like that’

6. Hear someone say something wrong about the opponent’s opinion and want to defend him/her

7. Actually defend your opponent

8. Incorporate limited parts of the opponent’s mindset into your own – silently

9. Incorporate limited parts of the opponent’s mindset into your own – admit it

10. See the inconsistencies with your own mindset now – but whatever

11. See the inconsistencies with your own mindset now – and be troubled by it

12. Incorporate more of the opponent’s mindset into your own

13. Change over to the opponent’s mindset completely – warily, quietly

14. Change over to the opponent’s mindset completely – and admit it

15. Change over to the opponent’s mindset completely – and proclaim it!

16. Experience Pride that you were wise and flexible enough to change your mind

Where are you right now?