Everybody has an opinion.
But more than that. Each of us is enamored by our own opinion. We genuinely believe that if people just saw more things our way, the world would be a better place.
It’s not necessarily a malicious thing, either. Over time we’ve just become very comfortable with our own opinion. It fits us. It becomes our world view. What we fail to understand, however, is that our expertise of our own opinion limits our perspective.
Abraham Lincoln once said, “What kills a skunk is the publicity it gives itself.” Skunks love spraying that nasty smell to send a message and protect themselves. What they don’t realize, however, is that this is not good publicity over time. It makes them a target. People don’t adopt skunks as pets.
Be careful about your opinion and the publicity it gives you. The Bible says, “Fools are thought wise if they keep silent” (Proverbs 17:28).
Don’t always be the first one to respond in class. Don’t always show how skilled you are at being the best to solve a problem. Don’t reply all to the email asking for feedback until others have done so first. Don’t dominate every discussion.
You might just learn something from others’ opinions.
PRAYER:I confess, God, that I naturally love my own opinion so much that I don’t consider the opinions of others, including yours which is truth. Save me from myself. Open my eyes so that I close down my words, eager to value what others have to say, including you. Especially you. Amen.
FURTHER MEDITATION:Read James 1:19-27 and pray for God’s guidance and enlightenment. Spend some time meditating on these words and write down 2 actions you’d like to take today related to words and communication. Pray for God’s blessing.