Played: 21 | Download | Duration: 00:02:08

Accepting New Ideas

Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
Proverbs 4:7

To become successful and stay that way, you must remain open to new ideas. It is okay to get old, as long as you do not think old. Galileo proved the earth revolved around the sun. Did that make the folks around him happy? No, they threw him in prison for challenging their ignorance and kept right on believing as they did. In ‘Developing the Leader Within You’, John Maxwell writes, ‘Sixteen hundred people belong to the Flat Earth Society of America. Their President, Charles K Johnson, says he’s been a flat-earther all his life. He says, ‘When I saw the globe in grade school I did not accept it then and I do not accept it now.’ He’s like the 100 year-old man in Maine who was interviewed by a Bangor Daily News reporter. ‘I’ll bet you have seen a lot of changes in your lifetime’’ the reporter said. ‘Yep,’ said the old geezer, ‘And I have been against every one of them.’’ Now, since you know how hard it is to accept change yourself, do not expect it to be easy for others. Change takes place gradually. Here is how: First exposure ‘ ‘I reject it because it conflicts with my pre-conceived ideas.’ Second exposure ‘ ‘Well, I understand it, but I cannot accept it.’ Third exposure ‘ ‘I agree, but I have reservations.’ Fourth exposure ‘ ‘That idea pretty well expresses the way I feel about it myself.’ Fifth exposure ‘ ‘I used that idea today. It is terrific!’ Sixth exposure ‘ ‘I shared that idea with somebody yesterday and they loved it.’ Stay open to new ideas - your future depends on it!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, open me up to new and creative ways and things that I can use to serve you and further Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ Name, Amen