Men Think Critically

Guest: David Salas 

Critical thinking begins with proper self-reflection and self-examination!

George MacDonald - “Foolish is the man, and there are many such men, who would rid himself of discomfort by setting the world right, by waging war on the evils around him, while he neglects that integral part of the world where lies his business, his first business, namely, his own character and conduct.”

1 Samuel 16:7 - But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as a man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

Manhood - what our culture celebrates is more often the externals - appearance, wealth, accomplishments - but what God’s Word says is important for a man is that he has a heart that pursues the Lord.

Men are body, soul, and spirit - all three are important. Don’t just focus on one to the detriment of the others.

David - people don’t just “drift” toward holiness. Holiness is a climb, it’s uphill, it takes effort to get better! Thomas Watson wrote that the only thing that grows without effort is weeds! If you want to get better, it’s going to take effort - reflection - self-examination.

Dan - my birthday is the day of self-reflection - what are the things that we improved on this year, what are the areas where we can grow in the next year?

A “friend” is a person who can be honest with you and point out some “blind spots” to help you be the best version of yourself as possible! My spouse is my greatest advocate…and my greatest critic! Proverbs 18:22 says “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” A life-partner who can speak truth to you is a tremendously valuable asset to have! Nothing civilizes a man like a good marriage!

Critical Thinking/Self-Examination

1. How will this attitude or action play itself out in five years?
2. Who are you, what were you made for, what have you done with the gifts, abilities, talents, etc that you’ve been given?
3. To whom are you comparing yourself to - other contemporaries, or other great men - or to the “best” version of yourself? Ernest Hemingway, “There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man. True nobility lies in being superior to your former self.” What if the “cloud of witnesses” in Hebrews 12 include men and women that have walked a similar walk to yours in previous times - guys like you that have gone before you and passed you the baton of life?

When you read the Bible…the Bible reads you! 

If you want to develop your critical thinking skills, you need to be a reader - a reader of books, people, and situations. Walk slowly, pay attention, think before you speak and when you open your mouth, add value to the conversation!

Take-away - who are the individuals who have gone before you - that you walk in their footsteps or stand on their proverbial shoulders - find them, learn from the example of their life and journey - and then realize that there are others who will follow in your footsteps years from now.