The rise of social media has brought about a revolutionary way that people can express themselves, but it has also created the risk of sometimes sacrificing respect of the welfare of others. It's both amazing and scary to watch how some people clash intensely over differing opinions in the social media sphere.
The intensity by which people- sometimes even Christians- fight for their freedom of expression is something too obvious to miss out. And one can't help but wonder why we value our opinion so much that we would be willing sacrifice the feelings of others for it. This is of course nothing new, but something that has existed even within the church since the beginning.
The apostle Paul would often write to the early churches urging them to put premium on unity. If he had to strongly urge the early Christians about avoiding arguments, one must think how often they would argue most likely even to the point of offending one another. In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul writes, "I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment."
To "agree" in this context does not necessarily mean that we all have the same opinion in everything, but that we agree on one thing - that our opinions are not who we are and do not in any way affect our value. Why is it so important to understand this?
So many people try to protect their opinions not because they're convinced it's the truth, but because they attach too much of themselves to their ideas. That's why we often battle to be right instead of figuring out what's right. Our ideas can help mold our character and personality, but they are not who we are. When we are too attached to our opinions, it will push us to sacrifice relationships for the sake of being right and that's not the way God wants us to live.
God instead desires that we love according to the gospel that declares that we are sinners who can be wrong at times and should not put too much emphasis on having the right opinion. Our emphasis should instead be on Christ, looking to our dire need of Him as the common denominator of all people. When we truly understand the gospel and fix our value and identity on Jesus instead of our opinions, there will be no need to sacrifice relationships for the sake of being right.
What is more important to you today- relationships or being right? How can you allow Jesus to change your values and place your worth on Him and not on your opinions?
