quotes and thoughts from a summer school student.

"What is the hardest task in the world? To think."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

"The difficult part in an argument is not to defend one's opinion but to know what it is"
~Andre Maurois

"No greater misfortune could happen to anyone than that of developing a dislike for argument" ~Plato

Each of these quotes has been making an impact on my perspective during the past few days. My research writing and critical thinking class has definitely been challenging me lately. I admit...I do not like to think about things that do not have to do with me. Yes, it is selfish, but it is wonderful that I now realize this. News. Current Events. Moral issues. Politics. All of it simply takes too much WORK and thinking, so I thought.
Now...My priorities are being changed. I need to critically think and discover what my opinions are. I had previously been justifying my lack of concern for any of these issues with "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you," but I have discovered that this was merely an excuse for my laziness. Yes, I WILL still seek the Kingdom first, but I will now strive to view these issues and form opinions through the Kingdom perspective as well as the filter of God's Word. It is exciting. Challenging. Deepening.
Yes...I am quite a noncontroversial person; however, I have realized that argument is healthy to an extent. It allows people to deepen and reason through their varying perspectives on life. My prayer is that I would develop a tolerance, if not a thankfulness, for argument in my life. It can not be avoided forever. People disagree. It's a fact. In order to be an effective disciple of Christ I should be capable of intelligent argument. Speaking the truth in love. It's okay to upset the right people, as long as I do not get offensive or proud.
Just a few thoughts from your local summer school student...