"Opinions"

What do you think about it,

Does everybody know,

You value your opinion,

You have the freedom, so,

Why not blast the others,

Who disagree with you,

And see if you can pick a fight,

You’ve nothing else to do.

Argue long and argue loud,

And try to make your point,

And if they just unfriend you,

Don’t get bent out of joint,

‘Cause, really, you don’t need ‘em,

If they’re gonna be that wrong,

So just say good old riddance,

Good-bye and so long.

Forget about the truth in love,

And all that Jesus said,

About judging one another,

Say what you think instead.

And best not be surprised if,

You don’t bear any fruit,

Or if all your opinions,

Don’t have a Bible root.

You say you love the Bible,

So did the Pharisees,

And they rejected Jesus,

Remember, if you please.

I doubt that we can argue in,

The lost who need God’s grace,

Convince ‘em all that we are right,

And pound ‘em into place.

Just maybe your opinion,

Is not worth what you think,

And that’s why so much nonsense,

Just fills the world with stink.

Never compromise what’s right,

Stay faithful and stay true,

But show some love, for Jesus’ sake,

In everything you do.

You might share your opinion,

With Jesus who will care,

‘Bout all the feelings that you have,

And with Him you can share.

Before you tell the rest of us,

And act like we should know,

That all of your opinions,

Are what you ought to show.

“Do everything without complaining and arguing…” (Philippians 2:14, NLT)

We live in a contentious world. People argue everywhere, but it ought not be that way. This is especially true for followers of Jesus. Yet, Christians sometimes lead the way, thinking we are called to convince others we are right. About what? Everything and every issue, from controversial subjects like abortion and homosexuality to what people ought to do when they worship the Lord at church. Please don’t get me wrong. If the Bible says it’s wrong, it’s wrong. But there are many things that are not so clearly laid out in scripture, which gives room for disagreement. But even if we do, it should not be in a contentious, argumentative way. We are called to speak God’s truth in love. Argument is unfortunate and unfruitful. If we think we just have to straighten out the rest of the world and that our opinions will do it, we need to think again. God alone can change people. If we live and speak the truth in love we can be part of that change.

Lord, help us stop complaining and arguing, in Jesus’ name.

Art by R.S. Riddick, used by permission. Thanks, and God bless you.