Chipotle of Freebirds?

When Is The Last Time You Really Changed Your Mind?

I can be stubborn... Those of you that know me well would agree I'm sure. My pastor Tim and I have a long running, spirited debate on Texas vs Arizona. Anything is up for discussion and any argument on any grounds is worth mentioning. We've discussed weather, activities, scenery, history, and more. Neither one of us has budged, and I can say with some certainty that neither of us will. Now you and I both know there's no competition. Texas is in its own category. Truthfully, I don't own any boots, I hate country music, and I haven't ridden my horse to work in years! But I do fancy a good debate every now and again, and I'll defend my state to the Arizonian any day.

There's a much more important discussion that we've had recently. Chipotle vs. Freebirds. For those of you that don't have access to both... I do apologize. Write your congressman. But these two "make it your way" burrito places happen to be right across the street from one another. Now I've always been an avid fan of Chipotle and would argue about anything from guacamole consistency to restaurant ambiance. I've been this way for years and anytime the discussion comes up, I've got new ammo prepared. But you know what? We went to Freebirds not too long ago and I Change My Mind! It wasn't easy. I felt like a betrayer. I felt like I'd let all my fellow Chipotle aficionados down... Most of all. I had to admit to Tim that I was wrong... And he was right. 

On our way back I began thinking about my conversion and how difficult it was to actually say, "You know, I think Freebirds is better." I've been a little tongue in cheek about the fun day at Freebirds, but it did get me thinking. If it's somewhat difficult for me to switch my burrito loyalty, it's got to be straight up impossible for a nonbeliever to switch his loyalty from himself to a God he's never seen. To admit that his whole belief system is wrong. He's got to submit to an authority that's not himself... Man that's tough. I've had my share of conversations with my non-believing friends and to be honest, I have yet to "convince" any of them that they're wrong. The conversation can't be about that. It is only through God drawing that they will respond.... And not my logic. Darkness hates light and will not understand it (John 1:5, 3:20). My little Freebirds experience helped me understand how difficult it is for someone to actually change their mind and admit, "I was wrong before." We don't Share Christ to win arguments.. If the conversation becomes becomes right vs wrong, we've lost. We have no reason to boast or brag about what we know to be true (Rom. 3:27). We must talk about Jesus and the cross, about sin and repentance, about faith and hope and the resurrection... And we must remember that we are no better than those we speak with. We've simply been given the gift made available to all and we lovingly, and humbly communicate that gift to others. And we pray. And then we pray again. And we pray again... For God to open their eyes, soften their hearts, for Him to pierce through stubbornness and pride and human wisdom and self idolatry... And to save others like He saved us, for His glory.

When was the last time you really changed your mind? Have you had conversations with people in which you came to realize you were wrong but wouldn't admit it? One goal I have in 2014 is to be less stubborn and admit when I'm wrong, even in the small things. Even when it really does not matter. Because I realize how hard it can be for people to change their minds and admit their folly when it does.