Experiences-Perceptions-Preferences-Opinions-Beliefs
Opinions. We all have
them. They are shaped by what we take in
(or experience) around us through our
senses. Over time these perceptions mix
with our emotions to form preferences.
These preferences then mix with our beliefs to form opinions. These opinions can later harden and form into
beliefs on their own.
(Window To The Mind)
Opinions are interesting in that they can contain parts both
truthful, and fictitious. It would be
great if we were born with filters that just automatically blocked out anything
false from even entering in, but we don’t.
Instead the filter is enclosed within
the entrance to our mind, as we must use discernment to sift through what we
take in. We must ultimately judge what
we believe to be true, and how we move forward with that newfound truth.
Personal Experience
I recently got into
an argument with a friend of mine (which in turn sparked my thinking on this
very topic). This argument obviously had
two sides, based off of two differing opinions.
The fact that these were opinions, and not truths, means that neither of
us was “right” or “correct.” Instead of
acknowledging that however, we let emotions (pride) get the best of us. In my mind I was right, and my friend was
wrong. I might even be willing to admit
that we were arguing over opinions, and not truths. But in my heart,
I was right. Somehow I believed that my
past experiences were more relevant to the argument at hand, and that I was
better at filtering through those experiences.
I even believed that my heart was
in the right place in this argument. I
was convinced that I cared enough about the topic, and the friend of mine, that
I was in a position of dominance.
Hindsight
In all honesty, I would still like to believe that it was ok
to care about my friend, and their wellbeing.
Where I went wrong was when I let pride take control of the situation. When pride gets into the heart, even things
that are apparently good can turn ugly.
Sure, I care to help my friend make better choices, but in the end I
can’t force them to align with my
beliefs.
Realization
Yes, I do have a point to all of this. I realized something through this small,
trivial experience. This is how God created us. We are given choices, and allowed to follow
whatever we please. As in the parable in
Luke 15, we choose whether or not to be the prodigal son. God still cares about us regardless of how
wise or foolish we are. He will welcome
us back with open arms, and rejoice that we have returned to truth. He is likewise outstandingly happy when we
choose to stand firmly with Him.
God Doesn’t Have
Opinions, He Has Truths.
He is Truth.
He is Love. He is Omnipotent. He has every reason to want us to follow His
truths, and even presents them to us in plain sight. But God doesn’t force the issue, even though
He is capable. This just completely
astounds me!
