I Am Prejudiced

            Really, I am prejudiced.  In fact you are prejudiced too!  Don't get angry yet, we need to talk about this.  What does it mean to be prejudiced, and how does that relate to principle?

            Before we discuss the concepts of principle and prejudice though, a short recap could be helpful.  In the context of breaking our natures, or in other words changing our characters, we came to the conclusion that our choices precede our actions, and our thoughts precede our choices.  The next question in line then is, “Where do our thoughts come from?”  The answer to that question lies in principle or prejudice.  So what do these terms mean?

            Let’s take a look at the word principle first.  A friend of mine named Kevin Doe uses this definition: “Principle is a fundamental truth that never changes, and is not subject to context or culture.”  Think about that for a second. Granted this is a narrow definition, but it definitely gives our previous conclusions some traction.  Now you might be thinking, “That’s a nice definition, but how do I determine what a principle is?” 

            Before we go there, let’s define what prejudice is.  Kevin also has a definition for prejudice that I really like.  “Prejudice is pre-judging.”  He also says that we pre-judge based on ignorance or interest, and prejudice is what keeps us from practicing principle.  So our thinking is based on a fundamental truth that never changes, and is not subject to context or culture, or it is based on our pre-judging from ignorance or interest.  Read that again and make sure it sinks in. 

            To help you understand an illustration is in order.  Jack met with a Finance Coach because his debt was becoming too much to handle, and he decided to make some changes in the way he used his money.  Why?  The answer lies in what the source of his thinking before and after the meeting.  Before, Jack’s action was not to save his money or operate on a budget.  The consequence was a lot of debt and stress.  His choice was to spend his money irresponsibly.  This was because he pre-judged that saving and budgeting were boring and restrictive.  Jack wanted to have fun.

            After he was done suffering the consequences of his choices and visiting with the Finance Coach, Jack decided that not saving and budgeting was stressful.  He wanted out.  Jack chose financial peace and security which led him to save his money and start a budget.  The principle in operation here is stewardship, and the prejudice above was pleasure.  Pleasure is principle, but because he was acting out of interest, it became prejudice.  True pleasure was gained as Jack slowly built wealth and experienced the joy of helping others in need. 

            Let’s face it.  We have all been like Jack at times in our own lives, and we still have blind spots.  People and experience expose our hazards.  These experiences are not always pleasant initially.  Change is hard.  Breaking the nature of prejudice takes work.  For us though, the problem is not being prejudiced, but remaining prejudice.  I challenge you to break your nature.

Nick Massey is a Life Coach, Speaker, and Writer.  To read more from Nick Massey, or to schedule him for a Life Coaching session, or book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at http://www.coachmassey.com. © 2014 Nick Massey