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OPINION is an interesting word that has several possible connotations. It’s a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge. Opinion can also be the beliefs or views of a large number or majority of people about a particular thing; i.e. public opinion. An opinion can represent a formal statement of advice by an expert on a professional matter. How can one word stir up so much controversy? How can opinions possibly be both true and untrue? How can they reveal facts but also just be views or judgments? And why do we put so much stock in our own and others opinions?
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The freedom of speech Americans enjoy because of the 1st Amendment is causing quite a storm these days. Crazy that it includes things like the freedom NOT to speak (specifically, the right not to salute the flag), or even to burn the flag in protest. West Virginia Board of Education v. Barnette, 319 U.S. 624 (1943) Texas v. Johnson, 491 U.S. 397 (1989); United States v. Eichman, 496 U.S. 310 (1990); and the freedom to use certain offensive words and phrases to convey political messages, Cohen v. California, 403 U.S. 15 (1971). We’re definitely doing that! Freedom of speech does NOT include: the right to incite actions that would harm others (e.g., shouting ‘fire’ in a crowded theater.”). Schenck v. United States, 249 U.S. 47 (1919); or to make or distribute obscene materials. Roth v. United States, 354 U.S. 476 (1957).
So in America, we’re basically allowed to say what we
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want, when we want; but what about our Heavenly
citizenship? Isn’t that first priority? Consider James’ admonition, “You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” (James 1:19-20) Or Paul’s instruction, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Eph. 4:29) Where do these fit in our so called ‘freedom?’ In Christ, are we ‘free’ to just throw our opinions around?
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We’ve become so earthbound, so nationally oriented, so culturally fixated, that we’ve forgotten the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. The Apostle Paul was concerned that his protege Timothy not battle and spar with the opinions of false teachers who were leading people astray in matters of eternal significance. He counseled him to avoid disputes and not to strive: “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” (2 Timothy 2:23-26) If we’re to do that on what Heavenly matters…how much more on the temporal! I know it’s political season. I know horrible things are happening daily; but let’s not lose focus on our Identity as Christ followers or our Mission here.
Pastor William McDowell
at Zion Global Ministries
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