Recently, we had a freeze in Florida. Although we covered our plants, several leaves of our pineapple plant got frost-bitten. When I checked online to see what I should do about it, the information I read said to cut off the damaged leaves. So I did. In the meantime, my husband read something online that said do not cut off the leaves. This happened because we read two different opinions about the same subject.
That got me thinking…
My friend Merriam Webster defines ‘opinion’ as:
- A view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter
- Belief stronger than impression and less strong than positive knowledge
- A generally held view
- A formal expression of judgment or advice by an expert
- The formal expression (as by a judge, court, or referee) of the legal reasons and principles upon which a legal decision is based
As you can see from all the definitions above, opinions are subjective. Consequently, there can be multiple, varying opinions on the same topic. And because opinions are subjective, agreeing with those opinions is also subjective. There is no absolute one-right opinion. Adherence to any opinion is a personal choice.
You may also notice that the definitions seem to progress in order of increasing levels of perceived validity. An opinion starts with an impression. It becomes a generally held view when many people share the same opinion. Eventually it can become formal expert advice when it is not only shared by many, but also accepted by the majority. Each level seems to give an opinion more credibility.
We are always forming opinions. It is a natural process of the mind. For instance, I try a new dish. Whether I eat it again or not is based on my opinion of its taste. Take that a step further, my tastebuds are probably different than yours. So we could have varied, even contrasting opinions about the same dish. Neither is right nor wrong – just different. This applies to just about everything! Think about it – what we eat, what we wear, how we do things, where we live, our entertainment, our careers, colors, styles, and what we think about life in general – all are products of our opinions. And the sum of our opinions makes us uniquely who we are. We are not supposed to all be the same! I revel in being an individual. I don’t want to just mindlessly follow the crowd. I am considered opinionated.
Our opinions may not agree with someone else’s. They might even provoke opposing opinions from someone, but that is okay. There is nothing wrong with disagreeing with someone’s opinion, it just means that we have a different point of view. We could say that the more we disagree, the less we have in common; and it is difficult to build a relationship with someone with whom we have nothing in common. Still, a difference of opinion does not need to be adversarial. However, friendships are built among those who do share many of the same or similar opinions because we have much in common. We are drawn to those whose opinions agree with ours.
Our opinions are most often shaped by our experiences but can be also a result of something we were taught. Although, in that case, it is generally our experience regarding what we were taught that solidifies our opinion. This is why we see such a vast variety of opinions in the world. We’ve all had a multiplicity of experiences that left distinct impressions on us, which in turn influence our perceptions going forward. That is why people can go through the same experience at the same time and come out with diverse opinions.
Our opinions are also subject to change. This is evident as we age – certainly our opinions now are not the same as the ones we held as children! Since we are always learning new things, our opinions evolve with that growth. We’ve all experienced this. Have you ever changed a product you use because someone recommended a different one? Have you ever changed the way you do something because someone showed you an easier way to do it? You changed your opinion.
Opinions do have a dark side that is revealed when anyone decides that their opinion is the only right one. We’ve seen this in persons of authority who endeavor to assert their opinions as the only rule. We’ve seen it in individuals who try to force their opinions on others in an effort to promote themselves. We’ve seen the effects of it in our own lives if we’ve ever taken someone’s negative opinion of us too personally. We must not forget that opinions are SUBJECTIVE.
Merriam Webster says that the essential definition of ‘subjective’ is: “relating to the way a person experiences things in his or her own mind”. It also says that it’s “based on feelings or opinions rather than facts”. Hence, it is important to keep opinions in their proper place. It is often said, “Everyone is entitled to their own opinion”, but my husband always adds, “But I don’t have to agree with them!”
All of this discussion about opinions is to say that opinions are fine, even necessary, but they are not a source of truth. And according to MW, they aren’t necessarily even a source of facts. But sometimes we believe them none-the-less. Opinions are used to sell products, to solicit support for causes, to persuade alliances, and in the worst-case-scenario, to blind people’s minds.
There are no constants in this world except the ones that God set up. The sun comes up in the morning and sets in the evening every day. Nobody’s opinion can change that! (But people still try – lol) We cannot allow the opinions that are running rampant in today’s society to cloud our judgement or stunt our growth. Remember, there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9). We don’t need to be afraid of opinions, we just need to think for ourselves and hold on to what is right.
When I said earlier that there is no absolute one-right opinion, that is true because God’s Word is not an opinion. God’s Word is truth, which is always right! It is an absolute constant that cannot be changed. Of course, many people have opinions about God’s Word, but none of those affect the truth or the power of God. We must cling to the truth that we know and use that as our only rule of faith and practice. We cannot allow any opposing opinions to sway us from that truth. We must weigh not only the opinions of others, but also our own opinions against that standard.
The world is overflowing with people’s opinions. Not all of them are bad, but not all are good either. Guard the opinion making process in your mind by utilizing the truth of God’s Word as your guide. God doesn’t mind that our opinions differ on worldly things, but He directs us to be like-minded on His Word. When our opinions are in alignment and harmony with God’s Word, we will live a life that is more than abundant!
Note to my readers: In God’s opinion, you are wonderful! And I share His opinion. Thanks for reading!
P.S. There will be no blog next Friday, but I will resume on March 4th.