More than Words

While there may be a short supply of many commodities, one thing you can depend on is that there will never be a shortage of opinions. No matter where you are, the decision you are facing, or the choices you have already made; someone will be glad to let you know what they think about it. From what you are wearing, to your career choice, to how you are raising your children; it seems that there are always people who just can’t wait to let you know what they think about it.

These days not only can you count on a endless supply of opinions from your family, friends, and total strangers at the mall; you can turn on the television and anticipate an endless parade of personalities sharing their “expert” opinions on everything from the global economy to school lunches. And perhaps you have noticed that most of the news networks have adopted the policy these days of inviting at least two “experts” to share their opinions at the same time. When they are not talking at the same time, you learn they often have completely different opinions about the subject they been asked to comment on.

If that is not enough opinions for you, the steady stream turns into a torrent when you go to the internet. More than 800 million people are on Facebook, and about half of them log in everyday to share something about their life or comment on something one of their friends has posted. Many people regularly post their views about everything from recycling to fiscal policy on their blog. If you are wondering whether you should buy a particular automobile, appliance, or new electronic device; there may be dozens—if not hundreds—of reviews scattered across the web.

So many opinions may not be a problem for some people. In fact, some people seem to make a hobby of shopping around for opinions that support their own. It’s the way they choose their friends, decide which news programs to watch and which politicians they will support. Sometimes, it’s the way they decide where they will worship.

Let me admit that much of what you may hear in a church—even from the pulpit—is not much more than someone’s opinion. The truth is that has not changed much over time.

When the people came to the synagogue in Capernaum the day Jesus showed up, they were expecting to hear from one of their local teachers (see Mark 1:21-28). They had heard many of them speak before. They shared lots of interesting opinions. It gave the folks something to talk about for the rest of the week. This time Jesus spoke; but it was different. He spoke with authority, and then he acted with authority. It amazed the people then; and I believe that when the church puts its words into action, it will still amaze, excite, and transform those who witness it.