We live in a loud, noisy, opinionated culture. News outlets of every type and political leaning abound with opinions more than factual information. It seems that everyone on social media has strong opinions about everything and feels compelled to let us all know what those opinions are. Calm and rational discourse among those with opposing views is almost extinct. They see each other as the enemy. Hateful words are now common practice. Emotions run high.
How do we know who and what is right? It's all too easy to think, "well, that person sounds right!". Then five minutes later someone posts another view and that person sounds right as well. Confusion and strife abound.
Too often, instead of withdrawing from the noise and seeking the Father's heart, will, and thoughts, (like Jesus did), we make a foolhardy decision to add our voice and opinion into the fray. (Been there. Done that.) Some do so out of pure motives and wanting to stand up for what they see is right. Perhaps, some do so out of not wanting to miss being on the latest bandwagon. Unfortunately, too often we end up adding to the confusion and contention. Jesus did not say or do anything until the Father told Him to do so. He sought the Father's judgement and will on a matter and then acted or spoke only as the Father instructed Him. Perhaps the wisest and most helpful thing we can do is to follow in His steps.
Two things that I ask God almost daily is that He will help me to see clearly the difference between truth and deception. I don't want to be a person who gullibly accepts everything I see or hear. I also pray Isaiah 50:4 "The Lord God has given Me the tongue of a disciple and of one who is taught, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. He wakens Me morning by morning, He wakens My ear to hear as a disciple [as one who is taught]." I desperately need to hear what God has to say and desire to only speak what is His will, in His way and timing.
There's one opinion and point of view we need to seek. We need God's guiding light in this dark and confusing culture. We need to know what God's truth is in the middle of this morass of man's opinion. If we are ingesting man's opinions more than we are seeking God and reading His Word, then it's no wonder that we are wandering around in confusion and frustration. We are in desperate need of a guiding light-of a firm foundation of truth to stand on in unstable times. Man's opinions are a dime a dozen. God's light and truth alone is where hope for our hurting world is found.
still following,
I so appreciate the thoughts you shared here. It's not always easy to hold our tongues and seek the Lord.
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