OPINIONS

Words heard out of season   Whatever be their reason   May agitate and quick divide   While it is feelings that unite

Opinions can become a stumbling block with negative consequences. Having ideas of our own is needed but how to have those and sharing them needs wisdom. In this, Jesus is a helper.

Transcript

Opinions

Hello, it’s Michael. Shalom to you! Should ideas become a stumbling block? Let’s have a look.

In a pleasant conversation I was explaining a theological idea. ‘I find it interesting,’ came the response, ‘but I can’t feel it to be right.’ It was an insightful comment. Feelings matter in receiving communications. The advertising world bases its success upon it. Every good preacher knows that mere doctrine will not change anyone. It needs emotional content. It has been said that religion is caught rather that taught. Father Richard Rohr once noted that ideas are ineffective unless the speaker and hearer are of similar feeling. Politicians are aware of it – it determines their success or failure. 

 A little poem

 Words heard but out of season

Whatever be their reason

May agitate and quick divide

While it is feelings that unite

Feelings are deep waters. Hundreds of years ago French philosopher Blaise Pascal observed that ‘the heart has its reasons that reason knows not of.’ Jesus said, ‘My sheep hear my voice.’ Not merely intellectually, though that can be of help, but intuitively. Much of what he came to tell was aimed at people’s sensitivities. He reasoned occasionally but often told stories. 

Jesus though could be an agitator. When he spoke out of season – the season of judicial dominance by Jewish religious authorities. The next season in understanding God was afoot. Jesus came to herald it in, but the Pharisees in their hearing were unimpressed. Sometimes words that agitate and divide are necessary. Obviously, the Lord thought it so and he never shunned away from his mission. However, a good rule is not challenging things greatly unless unavoidable. Friction is never pleasant. 

I have learned to be careful with my ideas. Politics and religion, for instance, can be topics finding emotive responses. Often it is best to leave such matters unaddressed. Whatever the situation and the opinions presented to me it is important that people feel listened to. Let’s agree to disagree if needed, while keeping everyone’s dignity intact. 

Also, my opinions are not set in concrete, and I might modify them as time goes on. Life and its ideas are always in flux. It is important to not become intellectually rigid. Constant learning keeps me vibrant while being flexible and teachable is a key to enjoying life. 

This approach has helped me in understanding the Lord and the Gospel. Ideas have evolved as I grew in my faith. Often my feelings have been a guide in this. That sense of the impartation of wisdom and insight. The Lord is good with feelings in helping us along provided they align with the fruit of the Spirit. In dealing with people, I keep this in mind. When my ideas are questioned, they have every right to do so. I will try not to become uptight. Civility will come up trumps, always. Appreciating another’s point of view, unless destructive, makes for a better world. 

Keep it simple, keep it focused. I wish you well!

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Always look on the Light side of life and call on the Lord.

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