How can you protect your self from indoctrination? Here is what I have found to be good advice.
1. Have strong convictions: The person most easily brainwashed is the one quickly swayed by others. Do not go along with an idea just because your associates accept it. Make sure that the views you adopt are truthful. The best way to do that is by comparing them with the inspired Word of God, which is ultimately “the truth.”—John 17:17; 2 Tim. 3:16.
2. Find the reason: Inadvertently we often accept attitudes without knowing what is behind them. For instance, people in your community may have a negative view of certain races or ethnic or religious groups. But why? If you find the reason unconvincing, why adopt the viewpoint?
3. Resist improper thoughts: A dry sponge when immersed in liquid absorbs quite a lot. Even after it has been wrung out several times, some of the liquid remains. As for our minds, it is hard to avoid seeing, hearing or otherwise experiencing improper thoughts. But must we soak our minds full of them? Doing so will adversely affect our judgments and actions. How much better to resist improper thoughts and to dwell upon things that build up!—Ephesians. 5:3-5.
4. Speak up for what you know to be right: This will give you opportunity to test what you believe and more firmly entrench the truth in your life. If you are convinced of the truth of a matter after thorough search, do not be disconcerted by ridicule from others. The Bible shows that Noah was convinced there was going to be a worldwide flood and he talked to others about it. (2 Pet. 2:5) Indifference on the part of Noah’s contemporaries did not change the facts. There was a global flood.—Gen. chaps. 6-8; Matt. 24:37-39.
However, with regard to speaking up for what is right, it is important to keep in mind this Scriptural guideline:The one who corrects a ridiculer invites dishonor, And whoever reproves someone wicked will get hurt. 8 Do not reprove a ridiculer, or he will hate you. Reprove a wise person, and he will love you (Prov 9:7,8). No good purpose is served by debating or wrangling with someone bent on defending his personal opinion regardless of whether it is right or wrong.
5. Live the truth: Do not look for excuses to compromise what you know to be right. Remember, if something is right and proper, it will work out for your good. Do not be tricked into thinking that you are missing out on something or that you are unduly restricted because you conform to what is right.
In some respects our minds are like a container of water. If one adds just a drop or two of ink, all the water quickly becomes colored. Do not allow mass persuasion by popular opinions to sway you into accepting viewpoints that the Scriptures show to be wrong. Rather, obey the inspired counsel: “Whatever things are true, whatever things are of serious concern, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are chaste, whatever things are lovable, whatever things are well spoken of, whatever virtue there is and whatever praiseworthy thing there is, continue considering these things.”—Phil. 4:8.
