3:53 – Everybody Has Opinions

#faithbites #faithjourney opinions

Opinion – a belief or judgment that rests on grounds insufficient to produce complete certainty. – Dictionary.com

Opinion – A view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge. – Lexico.com

We all know everyone has an opinion. For example, opinions on politics, raising children, spending money, taking care of yourself. We throw around these opinions as if they mean more than someone else’s We often treat our opinions as facts. I have had many people in the past few days cast opinions about me, my beliefs and how I live my life.

As the definitions show above, opinions aren’t necessarily based on fact or knowledge. As such, it’s hard to change someone’s opinions with facts.

Scripture

• As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. – Romans 14:1
• A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. – Proverbs 18:2
• And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word. – 1 Kings 18:21
• All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, – 2 Timothy 3:16

Reflection

I have opinions about many things. As I’ve learned more truth and been discipled by others, I’ve shed false opinions and leaned more towards the truth. I don’t want to be seen as a fool as I want to understand. It may take me a while to learn and understand the truth, but I would much rather rely on the Truth of the Lord, than my own understanding.

Elijah even gave the people a choice: Choose God or Choose Baal. They shouldn’t live between two opinions. The people did’t answer.

It is hard to give up our long-held opinions. We often, and I am personally guilty of this, double down on them. Many times, when we try to defend them, we make no sense and go deeper and deeper trying to prove them. The key to this is, if it’s not based on fact or knowledge to begin with, there isn’t any defense for them.

We aren’t foolish to have opinions. We only become foolish when we don’t learn, listen, and change our opinions based on the facts around us.

I am blessed to have a relationship with God. I know that His word is truth. If I rely on that, then my beliefs cease to become opinions but are based on something stronger.

Imagine if we all, all were able to throw off our opinions when faced with the truth.

Challenge

Look at your opinions. Have you judged someone based on a false opinion? Have you found yourself trying to defend something that isn’t defensible? It could be that there isn’t any knowledge or facts behind it. It’s ok if you do. We all have them. Our challenge is to realize it and grow in Christ.

Prayer

Lord, we have so many beliefs and opinions. We often confuse our opinions with facts. Give us guidance. Help us not to judge others. When we do challenge them, help us to use facts and kindness, rather than opinions and cruelty. We love you Lord and know this isn’t easy. Help us to be like you as we change into fact-based believers. In your name, Amen.