How often have we heard statements — or made them ourselves — like "My opinion is …" or "I see it this way …"? Sometimes this is the introduction to a statement expressing an opinion contrary to the one which another person has just represented.

Are we always aware of what the true source or foundation of our opinions should be? Once Peter disagreed with his Lord Jesus and even rebuked him (Matthew 16:21-23). But Jesus replied that the true origin of Peter's "opinion" was in fact Satanic inspiration. If this was the case with Peter, should we not think that this could also happen to us?

The Bible admonishes us to be careful with our words. If we want to express our opinion, we should consider various biblical admonitions. The prophet Isaiah tells us that our thoughts are by nature not the thoughts of God (Isaiah 55:8). Wise King Solomon wrote: "A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back" (Proverbs 29:11).

The apostle Paul exhorted Christians to exercise self-control and bring every thought into the "captivity" of obedience to Christ (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

Our words should reflect the example of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ. By regular study of His Word, the Bible, we learn more and more what God's opinion is.

With patience and diligence our opinion will increasingly reflect the "mind of Christ" over the years. With Paul we want to be able to say: "But we have the mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:16).

With these thoughts I wish everyone a rewarding Sabbath!