Opinion is the medium between knowledge and ignorance. – Plato

In 1858 a scientific expedition passed through a vast area in the Southwestern United States. A young lieutenant by the name of Ives made the following entry in his report: The region we explored is completely without value. It can be approached only from the south and after entering it, there is nothing to do but leave. Ours have been the first and doubtless the last to visit this profitless locality. It seems intended that the Colorado River will be forever unvisited and undisturbed. That’s the opinion of a young lieutenant after a visit to the Grand Canyon. Now that’s opinionated.

The dictionary defines opinionated as “holding stubbornly and often unreasonably to one’s own opinions.” Opinionated is the sphere of arrogance. While there’s nothing wrong with having opinions, like having a favorite sports team or food, and we all have them. My wonderful wife is of the opinion that Michigan State is the best college sports team. In my opinion she’s wrong. Everyone knows that it’s the University of Georgia.

But being opinionated is when your team/food, etc. is the only right one. 

As Christ-followers, we are to hold on to God’s truth. That’s not opinionated. And it shouldn’t surprise us when unbelievers are opinionated, after all the primary barrier that will keep a lost person from coming to Christ is pride. 

What’s tragic and terribly wrong is when Christ-followers are opinionated. Since we know we’re sinners and undeserving of God’s love, we should be the humblest individuals. We know how unworthy we are and should know how little we know. Sadly, too often that’s not the case. 

The problem occurs when Christians let their opinions overwhelm their Christianity. When the average unsaved person sees this happen, they form “antibodies” against the truth of God’s Word and, ultimately, against Jesus. It’s not the fault of the Lord; it’s the fault of us who bear His name.

The list of items for which we can be opinionated about yet do not have a biblical basis often seems endless with everything from music, politics, parenting styles, school or educational choices, church practices or programs, money usage, vaccines, etc. Too often we in the Church have forgotten what the Reformers died for, Sola Scriptura. It’s Latin meaning “by Scripture alone.” It simply asserts that the Bible is the sole infallible authority for faith and practice. This principle emphasizes that our beliefs must be derived from the Scriptures, rejecting any other infallible authority outside of the Bible for that which we stand for. 

The problem, and sin, occurs when an opinion is equated with the revealed truth of Scripture. Indications of that usually are that one is arrogant, unreasonable and argumentative about their opinion. They’re just opinionated. Red flags should go off in your heart when that occurs. 

Yet, none of this is new. Many Christians don’t want to admit that there are lots of gray areas when it comes to convictions and conduct. Both Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 10 address this. Many areas are a matter of conscience. It’s in these unclear areas where we must extend God’s grace. 

Most need to do more research rather than miming the slogans of our “team.” Truth doesn’t fear scrutiny. We would be wise to have dialogues with those who differ from us, rather than digging our heels in on our opinions. Let me share from my own experience some church clashes that devolved from being opinionated rather than biblical truth. 

Debt

I’ll never forget a couple from many years ago who has since moved on who believed it was wrong for a Christian or church to go into debt. There was no reasoning with them. While the Bible does talk about limiting and being wise about debt, Scripture never forbids debt. Though this position is sometimes pontificated by “Christian” media types, it’s untenable. If debt is always wrong, one could never use a credit card and would need to pre-pay utility bills. Because if debt is always wrong, it would be wrong to be indebted for five days as well as five years. 

Music

One of the bigger blights in modern church history were the “worship wars,” which thankfully seem to be over. Yet, I’ll never forget some church members ready to “stone” me with hymnals when our church replaced hymnals with PowerPoint. Southern Baptist evangelist, Vance Havner, once said, When Satan fell, he fell in the choir loft. Music, perhaps, because it’s highly emotional and traditional, it can still be a contentious issue in the Church. 

Music is a vital part of worship, yet it’s much broader than most of us want to allow in our limited opinions. Something that is very concerning to me is when Christians choose a church based on the music yet ignore doctrine or preaching. Personally, I believe that we have confused our biblical priorities when a multi-site church has live worship music but digital biblical teaching. Scripture is clear that God’s Word, the teaching and preaching of, must have precedence. 

Politics

The Bible clearly commands us to pray for our leaders. It never commands us to be loyal or to have a certain political position. Our loyalty must be to King Jesus. There is no “right” political party. All are made up of depraved people and have unbiblical flaws. 

Most issues facing our nation won’t be resolved with simplistic solutions. Yet, it’s disheartening to see Christ-followers who are more engaged politically than they are about Christ’s eternal Kingdom. They’re more focused on how others vote than whether they have a personal relationship with the Savior. And it’s disingenuous when we won’t commend those on the other side of the political aisle when they do the right thing. It’s also dishonest when those on our side of the political aisle do the wrong thing, yet we won’t question or criticize because they’re on our “team.” 

For the Christ-follower, there must be only one team – the King Jesus’ team. To give blind loyalty to any other team is idolatry. The gospel, that we are not good people but are sinners who’s only hope is a Savior is divisive and polarizing. Why would we want to polarize anyone from the gospel for the temporal stuff of politics? I fear many of us will give account when we get Home for going off mission and making political issues “truth” when they’re generally just opinions. 

The solution is that rather than being opinionated, we must submit and focus on God and His Truth and be people of the Book. We must be known for Christlike reasonableness both inside and outside the church. As Augustine said, In essentials, unity; in differences, liberty; in all things, charity. The early church had unity in the midst of diversity. They were Spirit driven, not opinion mastered. Let’s follow their example for Jesus’ sake. May the words of Romans 12:18 permeate our hearts: If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.