It's Your Opinion

People have differing opinions on major topics in life.  Who’s right, who’s wrong?  What makes one person’s opinion more accurate than another person’s opinion?  Can a difference of opinion separate a relationship, friendship, a family bond or even a job?  Yes, and it happens every day.

As humans we are given free will to make choices in life.  Your parents made choices for you when you were a child, but then you grew into an independent thinker, capable of good and bad choices.  Without a doubt, in your life you will make many good choices and just as many bad choices. Many times we believe that our bad choices are actually good, and we stand firm on the principles which led us to these choices.  What are these things that influence your decision process and choices in life?  A few examples might include: your upbringing, your social connections, your self-interests, your fears, beliefs and moral values.  With the known fact that your opinions, your choices in life are based on your own perspectives, why would you expect that others should fall in line with your thoughts? 

If the entire world thought the way you thought and had the same opinions and perspective on life, we would break the truth of independent free will.  Do you want the entire world to think like you, share your opinion and agree with your choices on major topics?  We are all convicted about our opinions and to assume that everyone else is going to have the same opinion implies that you are right and they are all wrong.  That seems a little bit arrogant and self-centered to me. 

The first and second commandments say; (Exodus 20:3-4) “You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol.”   If you are choosing to hold your opinion as fully righteous and judge all others as wrong, who are you lifting up as god?  There is only One who is righteous and knows absolute right from wrong.  We all interpret and draw conclusions from His word, but should we assume that we are capable of fully comprehending and knowing His thoughts?  Impossible.  Isaiah 55:8 tells us: ““For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.”  We cannot know the true spirit of the Lord, for we are evil in our nature and He is not.  Paul the Apostle wrote to those in Corinth: “For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God.”  (1 Corinthians 2:11)

Shall we think we have a better understanding of God’s ways than these men?  Are we that confident that we know God’s ways?  Knowing comes from studying, prayer, worship, and becoming completely enveloped in His presence and spirit.  Few of us can claim that.  Let us not place our opinions upon those around us, but help them to see His truth through His word and through a closer relationship with Him.  Keep in mind that God is sovereign, omniscient and knows exactly where this world is, in relationship to His grand plan.  We are servants, we are not God.  Love those around you, and trust that God is in control and cannot be overcome.