How to Survive in a World of Opinion

Posted on by Lydia Borengasser

What’s that deafening rumble of thunder that makes me want to crawl in a hole and hide for the rest of my life?

Oh, that?

That’s just nine gazillion voices screaming in my ear every waking moment. That’s just the whole world saying, “I’m right, and everyone else on the planet is dead wrong.”

Nutrition. Culture. Leisure. Technology. Health care.
Religion. Education. Money. Entertainment.
Relationships. Tradition. Politics.
Possessions. Etc and etc.

Within each category, an endless number of sub-categories, and for every sub-category, at least as many opinions as there are persons in existence. All of which can’t possibly be exclusively correct, now can they?

So we read varying viewpoints, weigh the pros and cons, check to see how the Bible compares, and delve into heated debates, hoping to come out on the other end with the perspective that outsmarts them all.

how-to-survive-in-a-world-of-opinion

But all that remains is another opinion. Our own, perhaps. And surely a more balanced one. But still nothing more than another one of those gazillion voices.

What if one opinion could rise above the rest? What if we could find out what God thinks? What if we could hear only his voice rumbling in our souls?

In the simplest, yet oft-forgotten act, we so gloriously can.

By opening a Book, we can shut out all other voices and give ear to God’s all-righteous and far-superior opinion.

. . . because his “opinion” equals truth, and in the end, that’s the only opinion that really matters.

So we start with the Word, soak in the Word, trust the Word, cling to the Word, hope in the Word, rest in the Word . . . so that, in an unruly world of opinion, we might run first – and listen foremost – to the Word, and surrender all other notions to that.

In a world of opinion, we don’t have to merely survive. We can crawl out of that hole and march forward victorious, with the Opinion of the Ages in our grip. For all others will be cast aside by that Sword, and that alone.

 [image credit: unsplash.com]

18 thoughts on “How to Survive in a World of Opinion”

  4. This is beautiful. For me, since I am Catholic I rely on a three pronged approach to know the Word of God, Scriptures, Church Teaching and Tradition that Jesus left us. When I base my opinions on those of God, I know I am on the right track. #CoffeefortheHeart

    Like

    Reply

    1. I think I might agree with you {though I am not Catholic}, except I would say the Word of God and the Scriptures are one and the same. And as for “church teaching and tradition that Jesus left us”…yes, that, too, would be in the Scriptures/Word of God…if we’re talking about that which Jesus left us. Much church teaching and tradition is of our own making, and those things we must hold cautiously and loosely! Thanks for your input!

      Like

      Reply

  9. There is definitely no lack of opinions out there. And so many platforms for people to share them on. I agree that we need to seek God’s Truth above all. And then stay open to God revealing our own hidden blind spots about what we’re believing. Often when we think we have “the Truth”, we learn a little more and realize we were holding on to an opinion ourselves. We need your wisdom, Lord!

    Like

    Reply

  10. This is so important! I’ve been thinking of this so much in recent days. As everyone is screaming for their rights, the Bible has been reminding me that we are to be like Jesus, Who laid aside His rights and died on the cross for us.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  13. Well said.

    Years ago when the world declared eggs to be “bad for you because they are loaded with cholesterol” my parents wisely decided to ignore this and go right ahead eating eggs and feeding them to their kids based solely on the fact that Jesus said that eggs are good things. (Luke 11:11-13) All these years later the wizards who decide what is healthy for us to eat have finally agreed with the One who made the eggs in the first place and told us they are good. 🙂

    Like

    Reply

  14. Thought of a verse too – one I love (v. 68):

    John 6:66-68 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  15. Not only should God’s truth mold ALL our opinions but anytime we prioritize our opinion to the point that we evangelize to it not to the Gospel we should examine ourselves carefully. I enjoy my hobbies, I think I do well in my homeschooling, I like to write, exercise and live healthy. BUT Jesus is my Lord. His Word is my guide. His Spirit is the earnest of my salvation. Not the same thing at all!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a Comment