I, like you, enjoy “weighing in” on most topics: sports, parenting, religion, jobs, the weather, politics, and the list goes on! Any time I give my words to another on a variety of topics, I always follow it with, “You can take that and $3.00 and you still can’t buy a cup of coffee!” I used say, “Take that and $.25 and you still can’t buy a cup of coffee.” The price of everything has gone up ya know. “That” of course is my opinion. I make that little statement implying my opinion is probably not worth a whole lot as I am not an expert on anything. However, we all like to let others know what we think, we just do. I do! But, we must be careful. Words do matter. As you know, generally speaking, it seems due to technology (texting, the internet, and social media platforms), we have access to the thoughts of others more than ever and they have access to our thoughts. Now we have a huge cycle of topics, opinions, and emotions running at full speed, 24/7. I recently saw someone post of his Facebook page, “You don’t have to give your opinion on everything.” Obviously, he had his fill of seeing others imparting their thoughts and ideas on topics that are keeping everyone stirred up. I say all that to say, that me, you, us, and everyone must be careful when speaking on topics that we connect with. Our friend Aubrey Johnson offered these Bible verses as points to keep in mind anytime we are meeting or talking to another:
Joshua 1:8– This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall mediate on it day and night, that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make you way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Psalm 37:23-24– The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.
Proverbs 11:4- Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
Proverbs 18:13– If one give an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.
Proverbs 21:5– The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.
Luke 16:10– One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.
Luke 18:27– What is impossible with me is possible with God.
2 Timothy 1:7– For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
I Timothy 4:12– Set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
We know it is okay to offer our advice, opinion, etc. Our words are valuable, but let us remember, God’s Words are to be heeded. Before we let others know what we think, may we first see what God thinks!
