Raise an issue, introduce any subject, ask a question, and just about everyone will have an opinion. The hard part is trying to figure out which ones are right. As one senator said, “You get fifteen democrats in a room, and you get twenty opinions”. Actually, that could be said of almost any group today. The sad thing is that we make important decisions based on opinions rather than the truth. We adopt a certain position because it favors our desire, we are impressed with the person presenting it, or because it is the most popular. But, due to the last few elections I’ve come to believe that those with the most opinions have the fewest facts. It seems to me that the surest way to go wrong is to follow the crowd. Popular opinions are usually wrong.
Why is it that we put so much stock in our opinions without getting the facts first? I’ve heard people say, “I’ve got some strong opinions about that!”. So what? Hitler had “strong” opinions also, but he was wrong. Regardless of how firmly convinced you are about your opinion it isn’t reliable unless it is true. The fact that you are satisfied with what you believe doesn’t make it a fact, and that isn’t satisfactory. You need to get the facts first. If we spent as much time digging for the facts as we do defending our opinions we would be much better off.
Regardless of what the issue is, truth is the answer. Being right is a thousand times more important than being popular. Even if no one stands with you, you ought to stand for what is right. Compromise is never acceptable behavior for a Christian. As God’s people we need to discover the truth, do what is right, declare the truth, and defend the truth–all in a spirit of love. Too many people sing “His truth goes marching on” and then allow it to be trampled underfoot by its critics without ever raising a protest. Should we not,”earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.“? (Jude 3)
Considering the confusing times in which we live this is more important than ever. Merely formulating an opinion on a subject isn’t good enough, nor is following the crowd satisfactory. It is the truth that sets us free (John 8:32), secures peace, sanctifies from sin, supplies us for ministry, supports our counsel, etc.–HDS
