Everyone has an opinion. Everyone. We are smack dab in the midst of a season, though, when opinion reigns supreme. Today more than ever, we are encouraged to speak our minds. But, realize this: Belief not tethered to fact, truth or principle can be dangerous.
News organizations have become advocacy-based, celebrities have turned into outspoken lifestyle promoters, and politicians have removed the masks and transformed their offices into demeaning, degrading and belittling pawns. They are recklessly steering the narrative and presentation of so-called facts that fit a distorted narrative. Unfortunately, it is not limited to the higher echelons and has seeped into our entire society. Think Facebook, local schools, offices and even churches.
That brings us to the spiritual realm and the Bible. Ultimately, only God’s opinion matters. If your opinion differs from God’s opinion, you’ll find yourself on a slippery slope, if not thin ice.
Many people quote scripture today, but often only to support positions or lifestyles. But that’s actually backwards. Shouldn’t we use scripture to conform our lives, not conform scripture to fit our situations, egos and life? (Hebrews 12:1-2).
When it comes to the Bible, theology and God, there are two types of people. Generally, you’ll find two types of people and two categories. You will start your sentence with one of the three-word phrases below:
- I believe that…
- The Bible says…
Which camp are you in? Do you justify your position, lifestyle or doctrine, or do you prefer to align your life with the unaltered Word of God? Sure, that’s a leading question, but it should make each of us think about what we believe.
- What do you believe about the gifts mentioned in the Bible?
- What say ye about politics in our society?
- Where do you stand on tough societal issues?
- What do you believe about fundamental doctrine in the Bible?
- For example, does God still speak today? Does He heal?
- Does He care about your situation or circumstance?
- Does God want you to be healthy and wealthy?
When you answer those questions, which three words do you begin with: The Bible says? Or, I believe that?
“Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it.” William Penn