Opinions

I am writing this from Bogota, Columbia. What a transformation. Columbia was known as the drug capital of the world and now stands as a symbol of transformation. The streets are as safe as any major city in the United States. And the economy is solid. All because a group of visionaries refused to believe that Bogota had to remain the same. They would not allow the drug lords to intimidate them... nor the opinion of the world to keep them where they were. Nothing short of amazing...

Yet as complex a problem as Columbia faced a number of years ago. We each stand in the face of our circumstances pointing to hopelessness or at best survival of where we are. Yet God intends so much more for each of us. "I know the plans I have for you... to prosper you..." But why do we remain the same?

Is it possible that we simply believe our circumstances and other people's opinion's way too much? I know that our circumstances and situation that we are in is real. But does it have to point the way? Is it possible that God Himself would rather point us in another direction?

Why didn't Jesus get all befuddled (yes that's right I used the word befuddled) with His situation. Why didn't Jesus get caught up in the Pharisee's opinions? I think He was way too focused on God's opinion... and wouldn't give the Pharisee's opinions any weight. I think I may have something to learn in this.

Every person who has had an amazing change has overcome others opinions or simply didn't even give them any weight. I think of Michael Jordan... cut from basketball his 9th grade year. His coach was telling him he wasn't good enough. Do you remember the name of the high school coach? Nope? Neither do I. Yet I remember the coach that believed in him.

I think we need to give a whole lot more weight to what God is saying about us than nay sayers. His motivation is love... what is theirs? He wants your highest and best... what do they want?