Opinion
I most definitely have an opinion about lots and lots of things. My wife may ask my opinion about a certain pair of pants and she wants my opinion. I have an opinion on most world events. I have an opinion about our governor, congress, the president and everything in between. I probably have an opinion on just about everything. It sounds pretty crazy, but most everyone I know also has an opinion about everything. I used to jokingly let them know that they were entitled to their own stupid opinion even though mine was mostly right! J
Spiritual opinion can really get me in trouble. If I feel convicted about certain things, I can preach that as “truth from scripture” to others. Paul was teaching about this to the Colossae church. It can be very dangerous and deceptively destructive while appearing helpful. Check this out….
6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. 20 Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: 21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence. (Colossians 2:6-8; 20-21 NIV)
Most of the time, my opinion is worth just what you paid for it – nothing. That can be true with the opinion of others as well. The older I’ve gotten, the wiser I realize my parents and older people are. Their opinions can sometimes be based on experience and knowledge rather than simply how they “feel” about a particular subject.
This passage of scripture reminded me that my instruction book on living is the Word of God. I should “TEST” all opinions by the Word. I should be careful about what I say and do based opinion. There is great liberty in walking with the Lord. My spiritual opinion may “sound” wise, but indeed it may be hollow and based on tradition and worldly principles rather than on Christ. My opinion can actually be a stumbling block to knowing the Lord more fully. I need to lean into and onto the truth of God’s Word and rely a lot less on my opinion and other’s opinions about what to do and when to do it. Now there are some people whose opinion I really value – but it should be based on their journey with the Lord more than anything. I’m really seeking the truth more than opinion. My convictions should be based on the truth of the Word of God over opinion every time. Most everyone has a nose on their face and they have an opinion – it doesn’t mean I need to hear from it!
Pressing On! Dwayne