A mindset is our lens of the world. What is our worldview? Why do we believe what we believe? Why is it we think we can or cannot do something? Why do we join specific organizations that strengthen our shared purpose and vision? I always want to be right and so do you. When we have found credible evidence to back our position, we want to address our adversary with their erroneous information and address it as a myth. We “fight” to keep our position at center stage, with the goal of finding the truth. But does that work in today’s environment? As I have watched the developments in our world today, I have been sadly impressed by the vitriol, hate and vulgarity being expressed. Labels being applied to the issue rather than the discussion of the real issue. There are so many repeated false statements that have become mere propaganda. This has made me think and ask the question, "How do we change mindsets?" This also got me thinking about a book I read many years ago. .... "How To Win Friends And Influence People" by Dale Carnegie. His advice was to use the feel, felt and found method of reasoning; it is very helpful. I know how you feel, I felt the same way. But this is what I found. I know how you feel about a women’s right to choose, I used to feel the same way, I thought it was a choice that only the women could make. After all, it was her body. But then I watched the movies and witnessed a life of a young child being snuff out and the little body parts and organs being sold to highest bidders. Then I realized it was murder. When I finally read the actual quotes of Martha Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood, I came to realize how racially destructive this practice really is. After hearing testimonies of many mothers who gave their children up for abortion and the emotional challenges and depression they faced later in their lives ...I knew I could no longer support it. I know how you feel. Boy it sounds good to get all your medical costs paid for and just increase taxes on everyone to pay for it. Government should take care of us from the cradle to the grave. I love the idea of being able to have all education for free and not even pay for textbooks. I felt the same way, but then I found out that it all has been promised and tried before, and the results have led to government control of the lives of those involved. The master planners made the rules and the choice was no longer yours, the money dried up and the service deteriorated. As the money dried up so did the incentive to work. The government then needed to step in and control the farms and nationalize business. The people revolted, but it was too late and they found themselves in bondage to government. When it reached the point of real rebellion, millions and millions of lives were murdered to keep those who opposed the tyranny that was necessary to implement these actions and force the necessary compliance. The fact is 1/10 of the total American economy will be in total control of the master planners of government. I found the History is replete with examples of the failure of this type of society, and many are in mass graves across our world who opposed this system. One of the greatest gifts God has give each of us as Christians is our testimony, which is the ultimate feel, felt and found life changing experience. The amazing difference is that none us had to do the persuading or the changing of mindset. It is only accomplished by God Himself and God uses the Holy Spirit to touch the heart, soul and mind of a person. This is a fascinating difference in the era of trying to persuade opinion. Yes, we are called to preach and teach, but we can relax when it comes to convincing or changing a mindset. It is a total “God choice”. Romans 10:13-14 “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him who have not believed? How shall they believe in Him that they have not heard? How shall they hear without a preacher?” Here are are some keys to influencing mindsets. Always be kind. Be genuinely interested in them - be honest. Smile. Try not to criticize or complain. Show respect for the other person's opinions. Help them to see the deeper values of the argument. Listen before talking.