Critical Thought: A Heart Condition

Isn't the internet amazing?

In the past few days, the concept and terminology of critical thought has come to the forefront of discussion. And of course, a quick search, and sure enough... there is a foundation established for the study and advancement of it. Discussing its' meaning and purpose, its' usefulness and outcomes as it is implemented, what the process actually entails... it's certainly written as an attractive level of human achievement.

Not to dismiss its' value, parts of it almost sound utopian, especially when they begin to discuss critical societies. What happens to the world when the number of critical thinkers reaches a height, whereby society and culture changes? Hopefully combating the humanitarian flaws that ail us... greed and power, self-interest and gratification, the struggles of life might change for the better.

Granted, we are a flawed humanity, but what's interesting as I read all of this, was nothing about the soul.

Nothing.

Critical thought requires an open-mind, taking in philosophical, economical, intellectual, scientific perspective and analysis, not to mention morality... and it has to account for one's own experiences, and prejudices...

But pending more reading, I've yet to see it account for faith. One can express many beliefs, yet not discuss in what or whom they place their faith.

What's sad about all of this, is that we are presenting and suggesting a path towards the betterment of society that once again, suggests it can be accomplished without the help of Almighty God. What's worse, it suggests that man can improve his own life with the help of the Him in whose image we were created.

In discussing the thoughts of critical societies, the foundation quotes Leo Tolstoy:

"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself."

Yet man is finite. Thus, so is his ability to change unless changed from the very core of his being by the one who created him. If an infinite God does not change the sinful nature resident in the heart of all of humanity, then critical thought, no matter how noble will not nearly be enough to change the world in the ways people so desperately desire.

How fitting then, that we pray over this generation of young people and their leaders. On this #youthPastorWednesday, pray that eyes would be opened, not to what can be achieved through critical thought, but through a critical change of heart. May God do the miraculous in this generation, a people that desires a better world. Pray they would see the revelation of Him who created it. Pray for the pastors of kids and teens; may God direct the paths and conversations... divinely positioning them to speak life and truth, full of love and compassion. May change come, not because of one's insight, or the words of men, but by the revelation of God's Word. Pray God would apply Biblical truth to this post-modern society, bringing clarity to a world full of confusion, despite a wealth of information.

Critical change, not from finite humanity
But from a sovereign deity.
That we would not overcome our flaws by thought and achievement,
Choosing instead to submit ourselves humbly to Almighty God.
To be used for His glory, in spite of  and despite for failures.
His plans and purpose fulfilled
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC