What actual weight does an opinion carry? The true answer? None. An opinion is only as powerful as the strength we give it – whether our own or that of another. I feel it is critically important that we recognize this reality in our current climate. Truth, facts, and verifiable evidence have all taken a backseat to opinion in our society, driven emblematically and problematically by our president. He provides an endless stream of opinions that actually shape our 24-hour news cycles, our late-night talk shows, our social media, and to a serious extent, our politics at large. Hundreds of partisan supporters have absolutely no option but to concur with some of the most outrageous opinions ever expressed.

But think about it. The opinions themselves are not the problem. Our varied responses to these opinions are the real issue. At this point in time, knowledgeable of a lifetime of very consistent perspectives, pronouncements, and behaviors, Donald Trump cannot say or do anything that can possibly surprise anybody. He is who he is, says what he says, does what he does – no surprises, no inconsistencies, nothing to question or debate. So, why are the responses to our president’s opinions so volatile and extreme? This is a mastery of human psychology, intentional or not.

What do you know? How did you come to know it? How do you feel about it? How confident are you that you are right and opposing views are wrong? What beliefs and values provide the bedrock upon which you live your entire life? How changeable are they? Seriously, take a few minutes here to reflect on your answers to these questions. Now, how much of what you have reflected on is essentially opinion?

We tend to give our own opinions great value – why would we ever believe something that wasn’t good, true, right, or helpful? We are not idiots. There are limits to our ignorance, but we know what we know, right? Uh, oh. This is where I bring in my old saw: humility. What is the relationship between opinions and humility? “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” (Romans 12:3) Of course, this instruction comes from one of the most opinionated voices in the New Testament, Paul, but it is great advice, especially for those who seek to follow Christ and please God.

We have become a hair-trigger reactive society, grossly manipulated by caustic and degenerate opinions. Is this who we want to be? Reactive cultures are driven by what they are against, which prevents them from ever casting a vision for what they truly want. The compelling call of the Promised Land is lost in the self-defeating short-sightedness of how much the wilderness sucks. But if a leader can keep everyone focused on the suckitude of the wilderness, that leader can do just about anything they want to stay in charge.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but no one has the right to impose their opinion on others. It is up to us to choose which opinions have value and which are worthless or harmful. But understand that opinions are opinions, not truth, not fact, not wisdom. Calling someone “terrible,” or “scum” or “piggy” or “no talent,” are opinions and generally have no bearing in reality. For Christians, we must use opinion to build up, to create, to elevate, and to honor our God and Savior. Anything less turns our opinions into weapons and shows that we really have no idea what it means to honor and please God. At least, that’s my opinion.