We have always lived in a world where people have opinions, but never before have I witnessed the harshness with which opinions are expressed today. Opinions seem to have become our own truths which we are intent upon coercing others to accept. Social media has become our pulpit and, with fingers flying like tiny swords, we attack those who aren’t on our side. As a result, family relationships, friendships and our testimonies in the world are damaged. Satan must be smiling. He has distracted and deceived us into being at peace with becoming an author of division. 

‘The words of the reckless piece like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”  (Prov. 12:18)

“Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them,”Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.”  (Matt.12:25)

But, people, especially if we are Christians, we have lost sight of WHO truth is and where we go to find it? Have we forgotten that we live to bring honor to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, not to win people to our way of thinking. Somewhere between taking sides between the right and the left, the conservatives and the liberals, we have forgotten that  Jesus is THE WAY.

“I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”  (John 14:6)

I am not sure what we are trying to accomplish when we devote valuable time and energy to defending our opinions. Do our words do more than add to the anger and fear and hate in our world?  Do our words reflect Christ and give people a place to turn when they are afraid?

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”  (Psalm 56:3)

I recently heard a pastor say these words, “Remember this. God is love and He loves you. And secondly, HE is in control.” What a relief and a blessing! Nothing surprises God.  Nothing is bigger than Him.  He has a plan and it is good. People need to know this now more that ever.

“But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience  to stumble.”  (I Cor. 8:9)

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:4)

May our meditations and our words be a testimony to what God has done for us.  People need God and the peace that He brings more than our opinions right now.  They need him so desperately.  Christians, make every effort to avoid being a stumbling block.  Your life may be the only testimony some people see.  Will they be drawn to you because of your peace in the midst of the storms of today or will they only see a reflection of this world?

Let your fingers do some walking through the pages of the Bible. Instead of composing your next Tweet or Facebook post in your head, let your mind rest on The LORD.  To God Be the Glory!

“Don’t fret or worry.  Instead of worrying, pray.  Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.  Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will settle you down.  It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling and gracious–the best, not the worst; the beautiful and not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized.  Do that and God makes everything work together, will work you into his most excelling harmonies.”  (Phil. 4:6-9) MSG