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The Taflingers ministering in Saipan
The island of Saipan in Micronesia hosted a women’s retreat led by Laura Smith with the theme of “Seaside Escape,” the focus of the retreat was on taking rest in God and the key verse for the event was therefore Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.”This June, the island of Saipan in Micronesia hosted a women’s retreat. Led by Laura Smith, the event was attended by 11 women. Using the theme of “Seaside Escape,” the focus of the retreat was on taking rest in God. The key verse for the event was therefore Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.” The retreat was planned as a simplistic time together, allowing people to focus attention on God and learn to rest. The studies for the event revolved around Genesis 12-21, focusing on the faithfulness of Sarai and how to apply her story to that of women in Saipan.
Angela Taflinger, who with her husband Chad and three children are ministering in Saipan, had this to say on the event: “Sometimes women and mothers have so much responsibility, and we forget to be still. We make decisions and take control of challenging situations, and often that leads to us neglecting to rest and rely on God.” The Taflingers know firsthand the challenges and demands of ministry, having landed in Saipan hours before the retreat started. “We did several activities that brought up great conversations and helped us practice slowing down.”
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Reactance is about perceived freedom and autonomy. It doesn’t happen every time someone asks us to do something or consider a new perspective. Reactance occurs when we perceive that someone or something is restricting our freedom or limiting our of choices.
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Reactance Bias
rēˈaktəns/ bahy-uh s
noun: the urge to resist or do the opposite of what someone tells you to do.
For the past several weeks, we’ve been considering Renewal of Our Mind and specifically, the role of ‘Cognitive Biases’ – unconscious ways that our mind processes information that can lead to systematic blind spots and errors in judgement. So far, we’ve explored our negativity bias, and our confirmation bias. Let’s take a look now at our “Reactance Bias”.
What Is It?
I feel resistance rise up inside me with surprising strength. It often happens when someone tries to persuade me to take a certain action or change my perspective on something. And the harder they try to shift my behaviour or thinking, the more resistant I become, strengthening my resolve to determine my own direction, regardless of the potential merits of their perspective or position. I don’t like to admit it, but if I’m honest, it sounds something like: “No, you can’t make me!”
Where does that come from? Welcome to Reactance Bias.
We can see reactance in children – the crossed arms, the defiant scowl, the resistant attitude – and we hope, as adults, we’ve outgrown such automatic responses to someone or something just because it challenges our own desires or preferences, but what is going on inside?
Reactance is about perceived freedom and autonomy. It doesn’t happen every time someone asks us to do something or consider a new perspective. Reactance occurs when we perceive that someone or something is restricting our freedom or limiting our of choices. When this happens, we become highly motivated to restore our freedom by proving that we are not being determined by anyone or anything. We become more and more immovable in our positions and this all happens outside our awareness.
Why does It Matter?
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-cognitive-bias-2794963
(by CinCoordinatordy Schmelzenbach, Regional Member Care)
“Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.’” (Mark 5:33-34)rēˈaktəns/ bahy-uh s
noun: the urge to resist or do the opposite of what someone tells you to do.
For the past several weeks, we’ve been considering Renewal of Our Mind and specifically, the role of ‘Cognitive Biases’ – unconscious ways that our mind processes information that can lead to systematic blind spots and errors in judgement. So far, we’ve explored our negativity bias, and our confirmation bias. Let’s take a look now at our “Reactance Bias”.
What Is It?
I feel resistance rise up inside me with surprising strength. It often happens when someone tries to persuade me to take a certain action or change my perspective on something. And the harder they try to shift my behaviour or thinking, the more resistant I become, strengthening my resolve to determine my own direction, regardless of the potential merits of their perspective or position. I don’t like to admit it, but if I’m honest, it sounds something like: “No, you can’t make me!”
Where does that come from? Welcome to Reactance Bias.
We can see reactance in children – the crossed arms, the defiant scowl, the resistant attitude – and we hope, as adults, we’ve outgrown such automatic responses to someone or something just because it challenges our own desires or preferences, but what is going on inside?
Reactance is about perceived freedom and autonomy. It doesn’t happen every time someone asks us to do something or consider a new perspective. Reactance occurs when we perceive that someone or something is restricting our freedom or limiting our of choices. When this happens, we become highly motivated to restore our freedom by proving that we are not being determined by anyone or anything. We become more and more immovable in our positions and this all happens outside our awareness.
Why does It Matter?
- Reactance bias feeds fear-based motivation. When we maintain our position or refuse to consider alternatives just because we interpret that our freedom is threatened, we are reacting out of fear of loss; we fear we may lose our autonomy. Fear triggers our fight-flight responses and when that happens, we lose access to the part of our brain that is creative, trusting, and solution oriented; we lose the capacity for objectivity and clear thinking.
- Reactance bias limits our choices. Ironically, in our attempt to exercise freedom of choice, when we automatically refuse to consider a specific option just because it’s different from what we were thinking, we end up eliminating the very freedom we were fighting for!
- Reactance makes us rigid in context of change. Change dynamics require that we move out of our familiar ways and consider new perspectives. That can feel threatening. We live in a context of constant change, and while it’s true that not all change is good and some may need to be challenged, even that won’t happen in a productive way if our motive is fear and reactance. When resistance to change, or even the discussion of change, is sourced in reactance bias it restricts healthy interaction, whether it’s in a family, a team or organization.
- Reactance inhibits co-creation. Co-creation is trusting and valuing that each person brings something of value to the table, and that in the synergy of working together toward a new vision, something bigger than any individual will emerge. We actually believe this is a spiritual reality – see I Cor. 12: 14-22 – and it requires each person to be vulnerable, lay down some of their independence, and be willing to consider something new.
- Reactance can be immature. When I demonstrate resistance just because I think my freedom is being restricted, I’m being childish. We are called to a more effective, beneficial, community-serving way of interaction. If I have concerns or perspectives that need to be considered, we’ll all benefit if I can move past my automatic reactance and instead come to the table in objectivity and in openness.
- Awareness. Always awareness is the first step. We can intentionally notice and maybe journal or keep a mental list of situations where this urge to resist rises up.
- Is this because I’m feeling a threat to a perceived freedom?
- What might be an alternative way to interpret this person or situation?
- Respond instead of React. When I become aware that my reactance bias has been triggered, I may benefit from taking some time to breathe deep, identify my own emotions, and consider the truth of the situation. If I can choose my response, I can avoid becoming a puppet to my automatic reactance bias.
- As a leader:
- How can I intentionally be more open to consider and appreciate other perspectives so I don’t experience reactance in my leadership role?
- Do I tell people what to do, or do I honor their autonomy by making requests and inviting their participation?
- Do I trigger reactance in my team? Do I impose unnecessary policies and deadlines, or put pressure on my team to perform because I think this approach motivates people to do their best? Research shows that people who feel appreciated and whose autonomy is respected will almost always go beyond what is expected of them.
- As a team member,
- What can I do when I become aware that reactance bias is preventing me from cooperation?
- How can I be more open to considering the positive benefits of changes that might feel threatening at first?
- When this happens, can I be honest enough with myself to ask if I am being an obstacle to change or if this is keeping me from making my contribution to the team?
- Accountability. Who can I ask to take this journey with me as I become more aware of my reactance bias and as I’m being transformed by the renewal of my mind?
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-cognitive-bias-2794963
(by CinCoordinatordy Schmelzenbach, Regional Member Care)
I once had a professor of drama and theater who told us that drama is found in contrasts. This might be in the form of a transition from soft to loud, or from an active character being paired with a more subdued one. The differences between these two things generates interest in the mind of the audience.
We see this at work in Mark 5:21-43. The two people with whom Jesus interacts in this passage take a very different approach. Jairus comes to Jesus directly, confronting the Lord with his challenge and asking for Jesus’s presence at a dying girl’s bedside. He was active and direct in his approach. In contrast, the woman suffering from bleeding does her best to go unnoticed. She waits until Jesus is in a large crowd, and simply touches his clothes. She is not even given a name in Mark’s account, which emphasizes how unremarkable she must have seemed.
Notice how the actions of these characters generate responses from those watching. It is interesting to compare these reactions. When Jairus returns with Jesus to find his daughter dead, Jairus’s friends almost seem to scold him for wasting Jesus’s time. Similarly, when Jesus notices he has been touched the disciples are almost sarcastic in their response. Of course someone touched you in this big crowd! They never notice the woman who has done her best to fade into the background.
Finally, in each situation we can look at Jesus’s response. Notice that he is quick to accompany Jairus, to be present in a time of need. He is not irritated or bothered by the intrusion, even though he is in the midst of a large crowd. In a similar way, he shows the woman subject to bleeding that he believes she is worth his time. She is worthy of his notice, and he does not want her to be ignored. Even though he is on his way to help Jairus, this woman is worth his time.
What is most remarkable about these two stories is how Jesus acknowledges the needs of both Jairus and the unnamed woman, even though their intent and their status was very different. Those who speak with God directly, as did Jairus, find that Jesus is compassionate and loving. He is a God who will be present in our darkest times. Those who approach indirectly, whether out of fear, shame, or something else, likewise receive Jesus’ full attention. Like the woman, they find a God who will acknowledge them and their pain when no one else will. As we serve in our many ministry contexts, may we remember that Jesus loves people from all stations of life, and that all people are worthy of the love of God. (Nate Owens, Asia-Pacific Regional Communications Coordinator)
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Baptism does not save us but is the visible act of faith that joins us with Christ in the profound and deep relationship. Baptism is Christ-centered.
First, we join Christ on the cross by putting to death the old life controlled by sin (vv. 3-4a). This death is symbolized in the act of submersion into water. Death to the old life comes by rejecting sin’s control (v. 12). Crucifying the old self ends sin’s control (vv. 6-7) and is necessary for new life in Christ (v. 8). Sin as a power is no longer master of our lives. Our old life has been put on the cross with Christ, never to get off again. Baptism is the experiential calendar event that sends us into the future with assurance.
Second, we join with Christ in resurrection life upon coming out of the water (vv. 4b-5). In our preaching and theology, we often link baptism with conversion based on the stories of Acts. Paul does not split salvation into segments but understands our new life in Christ as beginning at the moment of justifying faith. The new life in Christ of Romans 6 is the expected development of our faith in Christ. We should not struggle under sin’s control because we have given ourselves totally to the lordship of Jesus Christ. “Newness of life” comes through the visible act of faith in Christ. It is a life lived in the shadow of the cross but fully committed to Jesus as Lord. Jesus’ death and resurrection make possible our own death to sin and resurrection to Christlikeness through the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Several things can result from a deeper look at baptism and Christology. First, this should cause the Church of the Nazarene to think deeply about baptism and the requirement of the faith of a person. It is interesting, in my perspective, that there is no textual evidence of any infant being baptized in the New Testament. A baptism is always an act of faith of the one being baptized. Baptism is always linked to faith in the person of Christ and is evidenced by the rejection of sin in the act of repentance. Second, because of its link to the person of Christ, baptism should be the visible result of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our preaching should call believers to remember their baptism and renew this commitment on a daily basis as we live out our new life in Christ. Third, baptism should be joined with our doctrine of holiness. Baptism is the outward sign of entire sanctification expressed as freedom from sin’s control and new life led by the Holy Spirit. Baptism is a necessary step in the journey to Christlikeness.Read More.
Dynamic Language Centre is accepting applications for full-time language teachers in their English language center in Penang, Malaysia. The newly renovated center has been in the business for over 15 years. While they teach many languages, children’s and adult English are their main focus. If you are an experienced children’s teacher, enjoy a wide mix of cultures from Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, and are looking for a rewarding career- we have an opportunity for you!
Dynamic Language Centre is accepting applications for full-time language teachers in their English language center in Penang, Malaysia.
Baptism and Christology
Dr. David Ackerman is the Field Education Coordinator of the Philippine-Micronesia Field.
A question raised during the Global Theology Conference on the topic of baptism and Christology requires further reflection. The New Testament teachings baptism as the necessary response to faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38). Baptism does not save us but is the visible act of faith that joins us with Christ in the profound and deep relationship. Baptism is Christ-centered. The primary source for our information on this topic comes from the Apostle Paul in Romans 6.First, we join Christ on the cross by putting to death the old life controlled by sin (vv. 3-4a). This death is symbolized in the act of submersion into water. Death to the old life comes by rejecting sin’s control (v. 12). Crucifying the old self ends sin’s control (vv. 6-7) and is necessary for new life in Christ (v. 8). Sin as a power is no longer master of our lives. Our old life has been put on the cross with Christ, never to get off again. Baptism is the experiential calendar event that sends us into the future with assurance.
Second, we join with Christ in resurrection life upon coming out of the water (vv. 4b-5). In our preaching and theology, we often link baptism with conversion based on the stories of Acts. Paul does not split salvation into segments but understands our new life in Christ as beginning at the moment of justifying faith. The new life in Christ of Romans 6 is the expected development of our faith in Christ. We should not struggle under sin’s control because we have given ourselves totally to the lordship of Jesus Christ. “Newness of life” comes through the visible act of faith in Christ. It is a life lived in the shadow of the cross but fully committed to Jesus as Lord. Jesus’ death and resurrection make possible our own death to sin and resurrection to Christlikeness through the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Several things can result from a deeper look at baptism and Christology. First, this should cause the Church of the Nazarene to think deeply about baptism and the requirement of the faith of a person. It is interesting, in my perspective, that there is no textual evidence of any infant being baptized in the New Testament. A baptism is always an act of faith of the one being baptized. Baptism is always linked to faith in the person of Christ and is evidenced by the rejection of sin in the act of repentance. Second, because of its link to the person of Christ, baptism should be the visible result of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our preaching should call believers to remember their baptism and renew this commitment on a daily basis as we live out our new life in Christ. Third, baptism should be joined with our doctrine of holiness. Baptism is the outward sign of entire sanctification expressed as freedom from sin’s control and new life led by the Holy Spirit. Baptism is a necessary step in the journey to Christlikeness.Read More.
Announcements:
Dynamic Language Centre is accepting applications for full-time language teachers in their English language center in Penang, Malaysia. The newly renovated center has been in the business for over 15 years. While they teach many languages, children’s and adult English are their main focus. If you are an experienced children’s teacher, enjoy a wide mix of cultures from Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, and are looking for a rewarding career- we have an opportunity for you!
The newly renovated center has been in the business for over 18 years. While they teach many languages, children’s and adult English are their main focus.
If you are an experienced children’s teacher, enjoy a wide mix of cultures from Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, and are looking for a rewarding career- we have an opportunity for you!
Candidates should be:
Join our team! Contact us for further details about the program and available opportunities.
- Native English speakers
- 4-year University degree holders
- Experienced in teaching children
- TESOL certified
Teaching Opportunity in Malaysia!
Name *
Email *
Qualifications: *
I verify that: 1) English is my First Language, 2) I have a 4-year university degree, 3) I have had experience teaching children, 4) I am TESOL Certified.Yes, I have the above qualifications.
Additional comments
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May we include you in our weekly Around The Region email newsletter? It is released each Saturday with updated Praise Reports, Prayer Requests, and inspirational stories of God working on the region.Yes please!No thank you.I am already a subscriber.
Verification
Please enter any.Example: 12Dynamic Language Centre is accepting applications for full-time language teachers in their English language center in Penang, Malaysia.
The newly renovated center has been in the business for over 18 years. While they teach many languages, children’s and adult English are their main focus.
If you are an experienced children’s teacher, enjoy a wide mix of cultures from Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, and are looking for a rewarding career- we have an opportunity for you!
Candidates should be:
- Native English speakers
- 4-year University degree holders
- Experienced in teaching children
- TESOL certified
Teaching Opportunity in Malaysia!
Name *
Email *
Qualifications: *
I verify that: 1) English is my First Language, 2) I have a 4-year university degree, 3) I have had experience teaching children, 4) I am TESOL Certified.Yes, I have the above qualifications.
Additional comments
ATR Newsletter *
May we include you in our weekly Around The Region email newsletter? It is released each Saturday with updated Praise Reports, Prayer Requests, and inspirational stories of God working on the region.Yes please!No thank you.I am already a subscriber.
Verification
Please enter any two digits *Example: 12
two digits *
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The Global Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific
Ortigas Avenue Extension
Kaytikling, Taytay, Rizal, Manila 1920 Philippines
The Global Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific
The Global Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific
Ortigas Avenue Extension
Kaytikling, Taytay, Rizal, Manila 1920 Philippines
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