We have all heard the common expressions about opinions. “Everybody’s got one.” “You are entitled to your opinion.” “If I want your opinion, I will ask for it.” And the sharp rebuke that asks: “Who asked for your opinion?”
What is an opinion? One definition is: “a personal view, attitude, or appraisal.” Another definition of opinion is: “a belief that rests of grounds insufficient to produce complete certainty.” Notice two things about opinions that we learn from these definitions. First, they are personal. In other words, not all people my hold to my opinion about something. Second, opinions might be grounded in certainty and fact, but they can also rest on grounds insufficient to produce complete certainty. In this article, let’s begin a brief study of opinions.
First, we can hold opinions in some areas and whether we are right or wrong does not matter. Which car is the best to drive? Which football team is best in the nation? Where is the best place to live in the nation? Which perfume smells the best? Which surgeon is the best? The answers to these questions do not really matter. Hundreds and hundreds of differing opinions are held by man people on these issues. Ultimately, it really doesn’t matter who smells the best.
Second, there are times when opinions are based upon uncertainty. Perhaps the person has not formally studied the issue about which he has an opinion. President Kennedy once said: “Too often we…enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought.” Our view may come from hearsay information. With access to so many media outlets today, this is an easy danger. Many of us have adopted opinions that are held by our culture and heritage. Maybe a person has some information but has not gathered all of the facts. This is the case with many atheists. It may be that we hold to an opinion just because we want the opinion to be true. This was the way the Jews behaved in the first century. They rejected the Christ just because they did not want to believe He was the Messiah.
When opinions are based upon uncertainty, we need to do several things. We need to acknowledge that this a belief that is not grounded in absolutes. We need to make certain that we do not force this opinion on others. We definitely should not make this opinion a test of friendship or fellowship on another person. We need to be willing to set aside the opinion if facts come along that negate what we hold dear. We should do some homework with regard to our opinion. Some hold opinions that others know are not based in fact. Those who hold to false opinions look foolish to those who have studied the matters.
Third, there are some issues involving opinions that spark some very evil emotions. The reason emotions run high is because individuals are convinced that their well-being is at stake. Politics and religion are the two main areas that cause heated disagreements over opinions. Politics involve our personal well-being. Religion involves our spiritual well-being. People have argued, fought, divided, and killed over political and religious opinions. In society today, many simply avoid these two areas of discussion. At the Thanksgiving table, mom will often say: “There are two things we will not discuss at this table, religion and politics.”
Fourth, opinions should never be allowed to give precedence to the Word of God. Jesus said the Word of God is truth. “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). When God’s Word sets for the truth on an issue, we must set aside our opinions and accept God’s divine revelation. Solomon wrote: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Prov. 3:5). In Proverbs 28:26, the wise writer stated: “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool…”
Many are of the opinion that baptism does not save. Jesus, however, says that is does. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved…” (Mark 16:16). Individuals need to set their opinions aside and accept the words of Jesus Christ. Some are of the opinion that man can be saved by faith only. The inspired James reveals that this is not the truth. “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (James 2:24). Again, man’s opinion needs to give way to the authority of Holy Writ. Many more examples could be given where the thoughts of man have been accepted over the plain teachings of God’s inspired Word.
Fifth, we must be careful not to elevate our opinions to the level of the Word of God. Playing face cards is not a sin as some people believe. All shorts are not sinful to be worn. A person is not disrespecting God is he fails to use “thee’s” and “thou’s.” It is not an evil act to eat food in the church building. It is not a forbidden act to have a blood transfusion. These are opinions that some have held as if they were the Word of God. This was one the sins of the Jewish leaders of Jesus’ day. They sought to bind their opinions upon others as if they were equal to divine truth (Ex., Matt. 15:16-20).
Sixth, sadly we have entered into a time in the history of our nations wherein some people not entitled to an opinion. If you hold a particular opinion, you will be threatened or harmed. If you hold a certain opinion, others will try to get your free speak rights taken from you. If you hold to a specific belief you will shunned, persecuted, hurt, and, possibly, killed. Some applaud those who attack others with a differing opinion. Those who do so should be very careful. One day, they may hold the opinion that is not tolerated by others.
Yes, everyone has his/her opinion. We need to express our opinions with caution. We need to change our opinions when they do not conform to the facts. We do not need to force our opinions on others. We certainly do not need to make our opinions equal to the Word of God. And, when our opinions clash with God’s Word, we should joyfully give them up and accept the truth. Lastly, we should never bring any harm to another who does not agree with our opinions.