Open Mindedness

People who espouse so-called “traditional values” are frequently criticized for being “closed minded.”  They may be treated condescendingly for being self-limiting, and for not partaking fully of what life offers because they do not allow themselves to benefit from worldly pleasures, new ideas, or other points of view. 

However, someone once said that 'if one cultivates a completely open mind, and accepts all ideas uncritically, they risk turning their minds into a garbage dump.'  Their brains become an intellectual landfill full of every sort of trash and garbage created by humankind. The inability to filter stimuli is a characteristic of insanity. 

Therefore, the wisest course is to be tolerant of others, for they are entitled to their opinion.  Tolerance, however, should not be understood to mean acceptance.  Christians must guard our hearts from things that contradict the Word of God.  The old saying goes, “You are what you eat.”  The Bible says that you are what you think and feel. (Proverbs 23:7) 

We must examine all of the ideas that we are exposed to, carefully discerning whether they agree with, or contradict the Word of God.  The Apostle Paul warned us not to be carried away with worldly philosophies: 

See to it that there is no one who takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception in accordance with human tradition, in accordance with the elementary principles of the world, rather than in accordance with Christ. (Colossians 2:8 NASB) * 

Study the Holy Bible daily and learn what it says.  Then when the time comes the Holy Spirit who lives in you will cause the appropriate scriptures will come to mind.  (John 14:26, John 16:13-14)  Be careful not to be lured away: 

For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him to whom we must answer. (Hebrews 4:12-13 NASB) ** 

If we are to be open minded, then let’s be open minded to the things of God. He will give us His wisdom and knowledge, for those who are saved have the mind of Christ. (1Corinthians2:14-16)

*  https://biblehub.com/nasb_/colossians/2.htm 

** https://biblehub.com/nasb_/hebrews/4.htm