The Junk Drawer: The Middle Ground - Monday
Proverbs 18:2
“A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” (ESV)
On June 1st, 2024 I became the most blessed man on Earth when Ciera Brianna Mills became my wife! It was a day to remember. My bride was stunning as she made her surprise entrance in a horse-drawn carriage. She was ushered down a hydrangea-lined aisle to meet her beaming groom while “The Blessing” reverberated over the lawn of Spindletop Hall. Standing in the shadow of an 8-foot cross, enrobed in moss and sheathed with roses, we exchanged vows and committed our lives to one another.
One of my favorite moments of our wedding day came later in the evening. When it was time to cut the cake and be humbled by the incredible speeches from our wedding party, I paused and looked around the room taking a mental photograph. This is the one and only time in my life that every person I know and love would be gathered in the same place at the same time. 300 of our closest friends and family assembled together in a single room. With my bride by my side, my heart was full!
While the wedding day was incredible, even with the blessing of rain at an outdoor wedding - Yes, I know it’s “good luck”, the months preceding June 1 were a little stressful. One thing I quickly realized about the wedding planning process was that everyone has an opinion about every decision that needs to be made. From the food to the flowers, welcome or not, everyone had a thought to share. I think some folks may have even had an opinion about the groom.
Napoleon Hill once stated, “Opinions are the cheapest commodities on earth. Everyone has a flock of opinions ready to be wished upon anyone who will accept them. If you are influenced by “opinions” when you reach DECISIONS, you will not succeed in any undertaking.” Paul writes in Galatians 1:10 “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (NIV)
We live in a world where influence is currency and offense is controlling. We live and die by what others say. Our identities and decision-making are swayed by the inner workings of man. If you try to please everyone, you will please no one. We’ve been called to a higher standard. Through Christ, we are set free from winning the approval of others so that we may win others to the approval of God.
Monday’s Reflection
Are you easily influenced by the opinions of others? Or, are you quick to share your opinions with others? Bob Goff states, “Everyone’s got an opinion, be an example.” Pray today for the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal to you the ways the opinions of others have kept you from serving like Christ.