Why do opinions matter so much? We've become so impressed with our own opinions, we're now offended when people disagree. When we base things on our opinion, we inevitably oppose another.
Truth be told, finding God’s opinion on every matter is the only way we’ll find peace and prosperity. If we are to see victory over circumstances in our lives, it’s not what we think or how we feel that is going to change anything. Applying the word of God brings life into places, people and circumstances. If it's not bringing life, it's not from God?
Psalm 12:6 (NET)
The Lord’s words are absolutely reliable. They are as untainted as silver purified in a furnace on the ground, where it is thoroughly refined.
Our opinions in light of God's opinion is a little like the picture here. Just a shadow compared to the originator of truth and righteousness.
Coming through court battles with my ex proved to me the reality of this. My feelings and opinions were very clear to me. But I decided to search for what God had to say about each unfolding situation. Whether or not I liked it or if it made sense to me, I followed His instruction and over time I have seen the tide change and the tables turn. Finally, though things remain challenging, God has done what He said He would – cause the war to cease (Psalm 46:9).
Titus 3:9-11
But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
Do we like arguing? Yes. We like to win. We want our own way.
Do we need to take a position on ethical and moral grounds for the sake of family or community safety? Yes. Sometimes we must stand up and fight. But through multiple situations of my own, I have come to rely on the profitability in seeking God’s word to guide my thoughts, words, and behaviour. If I'm not doing that, even with the best of intentions, I still act for my own good. The bible speaks against that and calls it sin. Why? Because it's not acting in faith, trusting in Him. When we sin, we cut off the flow of God’s anointing because we are creating separation.
Part of this is choosing to train our minds against thoughts that stir up trouble. If someone else is stirring up trouble, we have to be deliberate about not entering in to that whirlpool. We can learn to create healthy boundaries.
2 Timothy 2:23
Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.
Proverbs 20:3 (NASB)
Avoiding strife is an honor for a person, but any fool will quarrel.
We forget the power of the spoken word. Recall how God spoke, and matter came into existence (Genesis 1). Jesus rebuked the storm by His words and it became calm (Mark 4). James 4 talks about the tongue being a small part of the body but able to produce deathly poison. Let’s not just look at other people when we read this, but ourselves also. How do we speak about others when we think they won't find out? How do our words affect the atmosphere around us? How are the words we speak poisoning our own hearts? Let’s get smart and receive some wisdom here.
James 4:1 (ESV)
What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?
At the centre of any quarrel is pride. We have a desire to control from fear of being controlled. We think we're right.
God has a profitable plan in every situation of our lives. It’s for our best interest and eternal gain that we cultivate a practise of seeking God. Rather than fear, in quietness and confidence will be our rest and strength (Isaiah 30:15).
How can we start this process if we’re finding it hard? Ask what our own attitude and heart is?
Matthew 15:18 (NLT)
But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you.
Determining to keep our hearts pure seems a good starting point.
Psalm 24:3-5 (TLV)
Who may go up on the mountain of Adonai? Who may stand in His holy place? One with clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted his soul in vain, nor sworn deceitfully. He will receive a blessing from Adonai, righteousness from God his salvation.
The bible is a great corrector. It comes from a place of truth and is pure.
Are we humble enough to wash our hands, shut our mouths and open our hearts?
Psalm 119:104-106 (BSB)
I gain understanding from Your precepts; therefore, I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn and confirmed that I will keep Your righteous judgments.
The way we can have a pure heart is treasuring God’s word and hiding it in our heart that we might not sin against Him (Psalm 119:11).
Is that important enough to us that we are willing to set our own opinions aside?
Peace of mind, right conduct and blessing flows from there.
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