Should Your Broaden Your Viewpoint?

A DEVASTATING earthquake struck Kobe City in western Japan, and self-sacrificing volunteers quickly came to the aid of stricken residents.  However, a visiting team of doctors found their request for medical supplies rebuffed by someone at the city's Health Bureau.  That official, who was also the director of a large municipal hospital, wanted the victims to go to Kobe hospitals rather than have the doctor's administer expensive injections and intravenous fluids at relief centers. Eventually, the doctors' request was granted, but the official's initial inflexible attitude and seemingly lack of compassion drew widespread criticism. 

Perhaps her you been in the receiving end  of similar intransigence by someone  in authority.  You may even have been guilty of it yourself. Could you benefit from developing  a broader point of view?

Get the Complete Picture

It is common for individuals to look at matters from just one angle, or point of view, thereby limiting their perception and understanding of matters. Often this is due to such factors as education, experience in life, and background. Wiser decisions can be reached when one endeavors to get the complete picture. For instance, if you were crossing a busy intersection where there are no stoplights, would it be wise just to look straight ahead? Certainly Not! (Note: Oh, but I see it done all the time) Similarly broadening your thinking to get the entire view can be very helpful in making decisions and acting in a responsible manner. It can be lifesaving. 

Likely, all of us could make improvement in this regard. So ask yourself, 'What are some areas where I could possibly benefit by broadening my thinking?' 

Next time: Your View of Others

From the Watchtower magazine, 1999