Opinions aren’t truth

It was the early 90s and I was ready for my first day of kindergarten. Despite my wishes for long hair, my mom kept my hair styled in a mushroom haircut that was, supposedly, all the rage. I felt like such a grown up...all 5 years of me.

The first day of class had come to an end and all of the kids were gathering their bags and belongings to head home. I proudly strapped on my little backpack and a classmate began pointing and laughing at me. She said, “That is a baby backpack.” The way she said and emphasized the word baby...she meant it as an insult.

I was crushed and embarrassed. I tearfully told my mom about the situation the moment I saw her. Always armed with motherly wisdom, she said, “Next time she makes a comment about your bag say, “that’s your opinion!” I had no idea what that statement meant but I took her advice and it worked.

I don’t know about you but I can become easily swayed and affected by opinions. We are inundated with so many well-crafted and persuasive opinions that it can be hard not to treat them as if they’re actual truth. If I’m not careful, I can find myself wanting to change or conform because of what someone else said or thinks.

And this is why we have to arm ourselves with God’s word - absolute, unchangeable truth! God isn’t concerned with backpacks or popular fads, he cares about hearts and holiness. He calls us to live by his truths rather than the changing thoughts and opinions of others. Because, unlike man, God’s word is life giving and constant. It is trustworthy and true. And it transforms us and changes us for the better. So let us adopt the prayer that Jesus prayed over his disciples. “Sanctify [us] by your word; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)