I remember years ago hearing my former pastor Dr. David Shepherd saying something like, “Opinions are like armpits: everybody’s got ‘um and sometimes they stink!” And I’ve found that’s pretty much the truth. Ha
We all have our opinions on just about everything don’t we? Sometimes they’re based on fact—sometimes on fiction. If you’re in any kind of leadership position…and we all are whether we realize it or not…you need to be especially careful that the advice you give to others is based on TRUTH and not just an opinion you have developed.
It’s a scary thing to be an influence in somebody’s life! Maybe you think you’re not influencing anyone. But if you’re a friend, a sister, a brother, a wife, a husband, a mother, a father, a teacher, a preacher or….well, you just fill in the blank…then you ARE influencing somebody whether you realize it or not. And therein could lie a problem. I’ve noticed in the past few days some situations where people in highly respected positions are giving out their own “opinions” very freely but these opinions are based on nothing more than pure preference.
As much as I wish it was not so, I have been guilty of doing the same thing at times. I have had opinions based on my own preferences or on some false information I had been given. That is so scary to me! I never want to lead someone down the wrong road in life because I’ve given them rotten advice! And we should especially be careful how we influence the young folks in our lives! Jesus had something to say about that in Luke 17:2 “It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.”
Last Monday was my birthday and one of the most touching birthday wishes I received was from a “girl” that was my next-door-neighbor when I was growing up. (She’s a few years younger than me) She sent me a note that said this: “You once gave me a poster that said, "You have touched me, I have grown." I would like to return that to you. You have touched me, I have grown. Thank you for being my friend for over 50 years.” She is sweet to think so highly of me after all this time and it was a great gift to receive this note. But I also know there are people out there that I may have not left such a “sweet taste in their mouths” and for that I am sorry. I truly want to be a good influence on the people around me. But I know that” in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” (Romans 7:18) And that’s the key. To know that within our flesh dwells “no good thing” and that if we do anything for good it will have to be God working through us. I want to study the Scriptures more so that I can offer sound Biblical influence to those I come in contact. My “opinions” are not good enough. In stark contrast, God’s Truth will never fail !
“And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.” John 2:28
Marilyn
We all have our opinions on just about everything don’t we? Sometimes they’re based on fact—sometimes on fiction. If you’re in any kind of leadership position…and we all are whether we realize it or not…you need to be especially careful that the advice you give to others is based on TRUTH and not just an opinion you have developed.
It’s a scary thing to be an influence in somebody’s life! Maybe you think you’re not influencing anyone. But if you’re a friend, a sister, a brother, a wife, a husband, a mother, a father, a teacher, a preacher or….well, you just fill in the blank…then you ARE influencing somebody whether you realize it or not. And therein could lie a problem. I’ve noticed in the past few days some situations where people in highly respected positions are giving out their own “opinions” very freely but these opinions are based on nothing more than pure preference.
As much as I wish it was not so, I have been guilty of doing the same thing at times. I have had opinions based on my own preferences or on some false information I had been given. That is so scary to me! I never want to lead someone down the wrong road in life because I’ve given them rotten advice! And we should especially be careful how we influence the young folks in our lives! Jesus had something to say about that in Luke 17:2 “It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.”
Last Monday was my birthday and one of the most touching birthday wishes I received was from a “girl” that was my next-door-neighbor when I was growing up. (She’s a few years younger than me) She sent me a note that said this: “You once gave me a poster that said, "You have touched me, I have grown." I would like to return that to you. You have touched me, I have grown. Thank you for being my friend for over 50 years.” She is sweet to think so highly of me after all this time and it was a great gift to receive this note. But I also know there are people out there that I may have not left such a “sweet taste in their mouths” and for that I am sorry. I truly want to be a good influence on the people around me. But I know that” in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” (Romans 7:18) And that’s the key. To know that within our flesh dwells “no good thing” and that if we do anything for good it will have to be God working through us. I want to study the Scriptures more so that I can offer sound Biblical influence to those I come in contact. My “opinions” are not good enough. In stark contrast, God’s Truth will never fail !
“And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.” John 2:28
Marilyn
8 comments:
Marilyn,
God has done such a beautiful work and continues to do so. Your "Walking in His Truth". And Sister, you GROW me.
Lovingly-
Yolanda
Well, in MY opinion. ha One of my hard lessons to learn is that I don't have to express my opinion at the drop of a hat. Some things are just not my business and It doesn't matter what my opinion is. Hope you are having a good summer. Miss getting to see you. Can't wait till fall Bible Study.
Love,
Martha
Great Post!
Judy
AMEN...Marilyn!
My Pastor has quoted that same saying many times!!!
When we speak...especially council..THE WORD OF GOD is our best answer. The TRUTH. Thank the LORD for HIS WORD...and Proverbs!! so full of wisdom and warnings.
Influence...so very important in every life we touch.
Thank you!
HOPE
We do influence - for the positive or for the negative - every one me meet. And yes, my opinion does not have to be written in stone either - it may be influenced by others. As I grow in grace and mature it may even change to reflect more of the truth, especially if I allow it to be shaped by God's Word and godly folks! Great post!
A belated but Happy Birthday wish Marilyn.
Wonderful post, and one I need to really meditate on, I want to be careful that I don't just try and inflict my opinions on others.
Was so blessed by reading of your wonderful friendship, that has lasted for so long, very encouraging.
Sue
My sweet husband has worked very hard over the years of our marriage to teach me to refrain from giving my opinion unless it is requested. I'm finally learning...for the most part. God bless you, friend.
What great reflections about "opinions" and thoughtful gift you received from an old friend.
Marilyn, after I wrote the email to you, I remembered how to find your blog.
I still hope you can eventually comment on mine. By the way, sometimes a comment box disappears for me, too. I just remembered that I go down to my Firefox icon (or you might use Window Explorer). I click on it, and see the comment page there. THEN I can comment.
I don't know if I explained that real well, but I just realized it MIGHT be what you encountered...
Post a Comment