Have you ever noticed that for every new idea, there always seems to be someone opposed to it? Today’s news headlines are filled with examples. We also see this line of thought raise its head in our churches, civic organizations, and even in our own households.
Many years ago an idea was presented to me that has helped me avoid this mental habit of opposition—or, at the very least, to get myself back on track when I find myself stewing over something I think I don’t like. The idea is that I never need to be opposed to anything; rather, in any situation or on any issue, I can be for the Christ. Instead of reacting to something, I can be in the business of sacredly and purposefully keeping my sights set on the Christ—on the evidence and action of God, His self-revealing forever appearing to human consciousness—as the inevitable fact of being.
This standard of thinking has a trusted and time-honored foundation. In the Bible, in Acts, the wise and revered Rabbi Gamaliel offers this counsel: “Now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God” (Acts 5:38, 39).
