Romans 14

We live in a world of distraction, inundated with news, much of it biased or unrelated to our own experience yet we are supposed to grab an opinion and hold onto it. This applies to social trends, the behavior of others or of nature itself.  It is overwhelming especially because somehow we are all primed to have an opinion at the ready in any conversation. How do we maintain our sanity, our energy, our joy? How do we cultivate the relationships that God calls us to cultivate instead of turning our backs on those whose opinions differ?

We do not have the same life experiences, that same upbringing, we are often not seeing the same slant on what we are judging to be right or wrong. So first and foremost, be discerning and understand that you do not have to have an opinion about everything. It does not mean you are unfeeling or unintelligent, it simply means that you are intentional about where you place your energy. That your focus is not on random judgment regarding everything but on carefully placed care and understanding of that which you can manage. Ask yourself if you have any part or power to change this situation? If so take action, if not consider that the energy and passion you have created around this is not serving anyone. It does not help, it is harmful and it leaves us overwhelmed, depleted, angry and even hopeless. It takes us further from God, from recognizing the blessings before us and how best we can respond to those around us. It also blinds us to the good in others if we do not share the same opinions.

This is not to imply that you turn a blind eye to injustice or that you stick your head in the sand, simply that you understand that you can sift through the barrage of information coming your way and choose with love, grace and the guidance of God that which matters most. There is your mission this week. To thoughtfully ask yourself if your opinion, your action, your energy is needed here. If it is then act with love and grace and if not simply let it go for those who it is meant for.