I have heard it said that if you get 4 Jewish people in a room to discuss something, there will be 5 different opinions.
That statement has resonated with me over time and has helped me understand that we are going to have different viewpoints. We come from diverse backgrounds, talents, and institutions of training that have contributed to the core of what we believe.
What happens when one comes across a statement or belief that someone has that is hard to agree with or embrace? What happens when a close colleague brings up a point or feels strong about including someone or something that could even bring on a full-fledged argument?
Even Paul needed to deal with this when he and Barnabas had an intense disagreement in bringing Mark on a missionary journey with them (Acts 15:36-41). It got to a point where they parted company. But that’s not where it was left. When God is allowed in our situation, allowing us to learn and grow, He uses it. Instead of one missionary team, now there were two. It multiplied. And we know there was some kind of reconciliation later, as Paul wanted Timothy to bring Mark to him to help with his ministry (2 Timothy 4:11).
I encountered a situation as well recently, though not as intense, but a lesson to learn about getting beyond mere words and getting to the heart of the matter.
There is a popular song in Christian circles called Reckless Love. Some of us just love that song, as “reckless” resonates with the situation where God finds us and how could He even come to us. Others of us have a tough time declaring that God has reckless love. We’d rather use a word like Immense Love.
One could get caught up in one’s opinion and why over a mere word. However, you would miss any insight the other person has for why they have the opinion they do. Is that where the 5th opinion comes from? After the 4 viewpoints of people come together, a 5th one emerges that one hasn’t considered before.
This is a true application of Proverbs 27:17 which states “as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another”.
This is a true gift from the Lord. To find a friend (or 4) with whom you can discuss life and scripture principles. To have your own opinions challenged in a way that they can burst from a self-protected nugget to one that is polished, even cut to reveal more beauty that shines even brighter to be shared with others. It now becomes exposed but shared in beauty because of God’s touch in the process.
This is my prayer for you, my friend. As you read my blogs and devotionals, you find that we can explore different truths and opinions. That we can let the Lord continually guide us in what we need to know and grow within. May His precious Holy Spirit always leave us with His insight into what we need today.
