If you’ve been around me or followed this BLOG for any time at all, you know that I am rarely at a loss for words. I have a bad habit of sharing my opinions, even when it isn’t asked for or needed. It feels like sharing what we think about something has been ramped up to an unacceptable level – at every level. And that’s not gender or age specific..it just seems to be everywhere. We all seem to have a megaphone and we can all share anything we please…but that isn’t always helpful. It often is emotional and not truthful.
We can discover plenty of hate and raw emotions on the news, on Facebook, on Snapchat and almost any platform imaginable. As I write this, I am wondering if I contribute to the chaos by typing out what I think. As a result, I may write a little less frequently and attempt to understand my subject matter more completely.
I would like to offer these thoughts regarding our opinions on most any subject.
- STOP! Before we offer up one more opinion, STOP! The power of offering up fewer words, wiser words, and truthful words might be powerful than more verbiage.
- Sharing an emotional response is often going to do more harm than good.
- What we say, can never be taken back. Those words often tell the listening ear more about us than about the subject we are critiquing.
- Responses to something we do not know the specifics about can be harmful and hurtful. Let’s all commit to knowing more before we write, shout, speak or scream more.
Ephesians 4:15 offers some direction for us, especially in the Amplified version: “Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).”
And 1 Corinthians 10:23 offers some powerful thoughts on how to handle our desire to offer up one more opinion: “You say, “I am allowed to do anything”–but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”–but not everything is beneficial.”
I’ve read and I’ve written much about politics, life, relationships, and faith. I encourage you to join me as we seek truth and wisdom before sharing our opinions and often our ignorance.
In regard to the recent sinful and wicked act of hate in Charlottesville and the continuing war on terror, addiction, racism, and stupidity…let’s recognize that we may not know everything about everything. We all have emotions that can rub us raw as we watch these senseless acts play out on television. But before we offer up one more word of critique or blame, let’s seek the wisdom of the Divine and let Him determine if our opinions will be helpful or hurtful, and wise, not foolish. This is not to say that we should remain silent in the face of sin, hate, racism or evil. It is a simple reminder that what we offer and what we speak of has consequences. This world will be a far better place when we speak less and serve more.
On that note, I’ll probably take a few days to gather my thoughts and attempt to offer wisdom, rather than folly. Words of encouragement, rather than blame, and words that include solutions, rather than one more voice about the problem.
Seek Wisdom & Speak Wisdom,
AChuck
