Most all reading this live in “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” Here we bask in the right to keep and bear arms, and especially, in freedom of speech. We are free to say what we want, when we want, with few exceptions. It’s our God-given right. But as most all of us have experienced, the freedom of speech can come with a price. Free will is also a gift from God, and one’s right to freely speak often meets the ugly side of another’s free will.
You can freely voice your opinions, as most of us do, but the right of free speech doesn’t guarantee safety from a fist in the nose or a slap in the cheek. The lesson? Be careful how you use your freedom of speech. It brings to mind the words of the apostle Paul, “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up” (1 Corinthians 10:23, ESV).
I’m amazed at how often I felt it incumbent upon myself to share with others my opinions about their personal matters. It’s downright embarrassing when I think about it. Naturally, seeing with such open eyes now causes me to wonder why. Why did I feel like it was my place to share with someone my opinion about a matter that had nothing to do with me? I shudder to think.
I also wonder why people feel the need to say some of the things they say to others. What it is that makes people such an expert on hairstyles that they feel the need to be critical of others, either verbally or simply with the glare of their eyes? What makes your opinion about facial hair the right opinion? Who do we think criticism of another is warranted because of a tattoo?
Sure, have and old you opinion, but be careful about expressing it. I believe the reason Jesus issued a clearly stated command not to judge another is because it will come back to get you. “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1). And it does. It generally always comes back to haunt us. The moment we nit-pick someone to death, unless they are people who follow Matthew 7:12, they generally enter into critique mode, looking for some flaw in you to expose. And they will. You aren’t perfect. You aren’t flawless. Give them time, they will find and expose your flaw. And they will rub your face in it.
It’s sick and twisted. I’ve given up on thinking my opinion about other’s personal preferences matter. They simply don’t.
Now sin? That’s a different subject, altogether. I’m not talking about sin here. I’m talking about the trivial nonsense by which people find themselves consumed.
You might think your opinion really matters, but the person with whom you’re talking might think differently. If you aren’t careful, you’ll find yourself on the receiving end of something you never saw coming. And the onus will be on you and all because you couldn’t keep your mouth shut!
