A few weeks ago, I discussed the concept of revelation being a two-way street.

This week, I’d like to explore a road hazard our mortal nature puts on that two-way street of revelation.

This road hazard is called confirmation bias, and it is related to our fallen nature as mortals and how our brain is wired with a pesky thing called cognitive bias.

Confirmation bias is a blessing in mortality by keeping us safe.

Remember that “fun idea” your wild high school friend had that would have probably killed you?

Thank goodness for confirmation bias.

Or confirmation bias shows up while you are making a decision in life, and helps you remember all the other decisions you made and which ones kept you safe, and which ones ended terribly.

As church leaders, we are constantly striving to listen to that still, small voice and take action that will yield the best results for you, your ward, and perhaps even Zion in general.

However, when we compare the direction of God with the direction of confirmation bias, we observe specific trends.

Confirmation bias prioritizes safety.

This means that familiar choices, those with the lowest risk, and the most comfortable options will be the most appealing.

As we learn from the scriptures, God’s direction can often be risky, feel beyond our ability, and uncertain.

That’s because God is developing our nature and trust in Him as He invites us into a larger story.

The pesky thing about confirmation bias is that it can often mimic the fruits of the Spirit, further confirming to us that it isn’t just confirmation bias, but rather revelation from God.

Yes, the safe choice can feel peaceful, full of love, good, gentle, etc., but that doesn’t mean it is revelation-led by the spirit.

So, when sitting in a ward council meeting where tough decisions must be made, we need to be aware of confirmation bias potentially tainting our revelation.

Are we calling individuals into specific callings because they are the safe choice?

Are we continuing with tradition in the ward because we’ve done it before, and it most likely won’t make us look bad?

Are we talking over the changemaker in the room simply because change feels uncertain?

There’s nothing comfortable about feeling risky or uncertain; however, that’s where God does His best work.

Just because it feels comfortable doesn’t mean you are feeling the fruits of the Spirit.

God didn’t tell Moses to speak only as much as he is comfortable with.

He didn’t tell Noah to wait until ankle-deep water before he started building.

He didn’t tell Nephi to pick up a copy of the Brass Plates from the local bookstore.

God invites us to lean in, have faith, and behold the Glory of God as He intervenes.

Discuss this message with the Leading Saints community HERE.

Sincerely,
Kurt Francom
Executive Director
Leading Saints

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