Don’t you have eyes? Why can’t you see? Don’t you have ears? Why can’t you hear? Don’t you remember? — Mark 8:18
Scientist and author Paul Wallace once commented on a popular advertisement from a few years ago: “Have you seen that commercial for a sugarless gum, the one where ‘4 out of 5 dentists recommend it for their patients who chew gum’? So, what’s up with the 5th dentist? Why doesn’t he recommend it? What’s his perspective on things? It’s the 5th dentist who’s the interesting one.”
The one who disagrees with the consensus of the other four would see things differently. Why? Regardless of the reasons, that person would have the courage to buck conventional wisdom and take a different course.
The call of the Christian is to be the fifth dentist. It’s easy to go along with the world instead of challenging it. Like the physics’ law of following least resistance, we can identify with groups that give us security: politically, religiously, racially, socioeconomically. Just look at our social media streams, that are tailored to groups.
But Christians are those who annoy the world. We’re the ones who are supposed to look at the world through Jesus’ eyes. Think with his mind. Feel with his heart. Speak with his tongue. Act with his courage and conviction.
Anyone who does that doesn’t care about opinion polls. They care about changing opinions by being the 5th dentist in God’s inbreaking kingdom.
Interesting thought!!
Thank you.
Thank you, Greg.
Hmmm good one. A little crack in the statistical wall. That could spread if you give a little push. Or spread and break if approached the wrong way.
Kathy🥹