Thought for Today
Job 32:6 Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite answered: "I am young in years, and you are aged; therefore I was timid and afraid to declare my opinion to you.
Proverbs 18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing personal opinion.
1 Corinthians 7:25 . . . I have no command of the Lord, but I give my opinion as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy.
2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth.
Opinion – a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge (Bing Search)
Opinionated – assertively dogmatic in expressing opinions (Bing Search)
It has been suggested by some that I have an opinion on everything. Generally, I do. I am not going to take a poll on whether or not I am opinionated . . . and I definitely will not ask Greta, our children or grandchildren their opinions on the subject. Nor, will I ask them about their opinions as to whether or not my opinions are based on fact or knowledge. I will assert my patriarchal privilege . . . and it is my opinion that such a thing actually exists!
When I am thinking on almost any subject, I most often begin with a search in the Bible. The word opinion is used a few times in scripture. Opinionated does not appear in the Bible. Are we, as Christians, to have opinions on any subjects? Most subjects? Only a few subjects? Are we Christians ‘allowed’ to have opinions on subjects of faith and doctrine, to agree and/or disagree with the doctrines and dogmas of our own faith tradition?
Not surprisingly, I suspect for any, I do have an opinion on that topic. During our Bible Study last night, I mentioned to everyone a favored saying of one of our pastors at our church in Houston. He was very fond of telling us that one of the things he most liked about being a Presbyterian is that you are not required to check in and relinquish your brain before entering the sanctuary. Last night, I extended that idea to include all Reformed denominations. It is my own opinion that all Christians are called by our faith to examine everything in our lives through the lenses of our faith (a good Calvinist phrase!)
Most of us are aware that our nation is currently divided on many issues. I find it interesting that some seem to believe this to be a recent occurrence. Our nation was born from a disagreement among Englishmen. Some viewed the colonies as primarily revenue sources. Others believed that residents of the colonies should enjoy the full benefits of being English citizens, subject only to the taxes and controls to which all other English citizens were subject.
Even a cursory study of our nation’s history will reveal that from the onset, our Founding Fathers had strong opinions on almost every aspect of our situation. Some wanted reform of London’s policies. Others wanted complete independence. Before, during and after our Revolution, some wanted to create our own monarchy, others favored a democracy, still others a confederation and even a few a constitutional republic. Ultimately, we tried a confederation first, then when that didn’t work we opted for our current constitutional republic. But, within both of the methods we ultimately used, there were strong opinions about whether the federal government should have greater power or the constituent colonies/states should have greater power.
Sadly, we fought a Civil War in an attempt to settle the issue of ultimate power. One would hope that had truly settled the issue. Current events suggest otherwise.
Where does that leave Christians? Some Christians are of the opinion that federal power should prevail. Some Christians are of the opinion that state power should prevail. Which one is correct probably depends on your own opinion of which should prevail. And the same is true on every other ‘hot button’ issue currently dividing our nation.
I am of the opinion that Christians are called to view all of life though the words of our Lord, Jesus, the Christ. Jesus said, "Luke 10:27 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." He also said, “Matthew 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." It is my opinion we should listen to and obey Jesus.
Stay safe, live love, trust God,
Pastor Ray