The Art of Being Wrong First

Why spiritual maturity sometimes starts with a bad guess

We don’t talk about the ministry of being wrong.

But maybe we should.

Because somewhere along the line, people started believing that being “right” was the proof of spiritual depth.

As if God hands out gold stars for accuracy.

As if faith is an exam, not a relationship.

But here’s the thought most people never consider:

Being wrong is often the first proof that your soul is awake.

Not because error is noble,

but because teachability is holy.

Think about the disciples.

Half their greatness came from getting things wrong

spectacularly

publicly

and repeatedly.

They misread moments.

They misunderstood Jesus.

They jumped to conclusions.

They panicked.

They bragged.

They tried to call down fire on people who annoyed them.

They failed the quiz but passed the calling.

Why?

Because they didn’t hide from correction.

Correction is where soul esteem is forged.

Self-esteem says,

“I must be right.”

Soul esteem says,

“I must be teachable.”

Self-esteem tries to preserve its image.

Soul esteem tries to preserve its alignment.

There is a strange, holy intelligence in being the first one willing to say:

“I don’t know.”

“I misjudged that.”

“I assumed wrong.”

“I need to rethink this.”

“I missed it.”

Because the person who can acknowledge error

is the person God can trust with truth.

The spiritually fragile need certainty.

The spiritually strong can survive discovery.

And here’s the twist:

The enemy loves overconfidence more than ignorance.

Ignorance can be taught.

Overconfidence cannot be touched.

So what if the next breakthrough in your life

doesn’t come from what you know,

but from what you’re willing to un-know?

What if wisdom isn’t the accumulation of answers

but the willingness to release outdated ones?

What if your next level depends on your capacity

to be wrong faster

so God can redirect you sooner?

This is the part no one tells you…

Teachability is a weapon.

It humiliates the enemy because he cannot use pride to trap you.

It humbles the flesh because ego has nowhere to hide.

It honors God because submission always outranks certainty.

This isn’t about being passive or unsure.

It’s about being spiritually nimble.

Flexible.

Soft-hearted.

Quick to adjust.

Quick to pivot.

Quick to release the version of you that no longer fits.

Soul esteem is not noisy confidence.

It’s quiet adaptability.

It’s the inner posture that says,

“If God shows me a better way tomorrow,

I am free enough to take it.”

May you have the courage

to be wrong first

So you can be right in the end.

~Jackie

Share this with someone who’s tired of pretending they know everything.