How many times have you made or heard comments like, “here is how I see it” or “here is what I think” or “here is the way I think it should have been done or handled”? All too often, these comments are directed at people in leadership positions—even in the Church.
Moses was criticized by men who held different opinions (Numbers 16). Peter differed with Jesus over an issue and even rebuked Christ (Matthew 16:21-22). In both cases, the people expressing critical opinions did not recognize the real source of their negative and divisive thoughts and actions (see Matthew 16:23)!
Before we share our “different” opinions, we need to remember God’s warning, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways” (Isaiah 55:8). We also need to remember scriptural admonitions, “the carnal mind is enmity against God” and His ways—including His government—(Romans 8:7) and “the heart is deceitful above all things” (Jeremiah 17:9).
As Christians, we should not be making negative comments or spreading our own divisive ideas. Our focus should be to develop a godly perspective that reflects the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5). Jesus sought to work in harmony with His Father. He did not go around promoting His own ideas and criticizing His Father. His attitude was, “not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39).
Long ago, Solomon cautioned, “A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back” (Proverbs 29:11). Our challenge as Christians is to develop the mind of Jesus Christ and let His mind guide our thoughts and comments so we can work in harmony together.
