I have a running joke with a select group of friends. I will conclude a discussion with the statement, “But as I end all of my sermons: ‘Then again, I could be wrong!’”

Of course, I don’t end ALL of my sermons with this disclaimer. In fact, the opposite is true. I may be in error, but I’m never in doubt! A genius is naturally someone who agrees with my opinion. 😊

In my humbler moments, I realize that no one holds a monopoly on the truth. Good people possess differing opinions. In the best of worlds, we discuss our differences and learn from the exchange.

 However, we live in a polarized age with little middle ground. The world is divided into US and THEM. Communication has become a blunt tool used to beat others into submission.

Certainly, we should hold passionate, informed beliefs about what’s important in life. However, there’s also wisdom in the simple statement, “I could be wrong.” This creates some space in which we might learn and grow.

Mark Twain said, “The trouble with the world is not that pepole know too little; its that they know so many things that just aren’t so.”

We can be so convinced that we’re right that there’s no room to admit that we might be wrong. Therefore, the next time we disagree with others, consider the possibility that our “opponents” might have something to teach us.

Then again, I could be wrong.