As we live from day to day, our decisions reflect our character and sometimes affect others.
“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee” (Proverbs 23:7).
Webster defines a particular word that holds a lot of weight. That definition states: 1. An opinion, esp. an unfavorable one, formed beforehand or without knowledge or thought. 2. Unreasonable, hostile attitudes regarding a racial, religious, or national group. 3. Damage or injury 4. To affect with a prejudice. In case you haven’t guessed by now, the word defined is prejudice.
In each of our lives we have the opportunity to make a living, to provide for our families and to be happy. Our efforts consist of getting an education, obtaining employment and supporting our livelihood. We all have a God given talent that helps us to accomplish the tasks that are set before us. But when we allow our opinions to affect others because of unfavorable opinions formed beforehand or without knowledge or thought, we injure that gift that God has given us that enables us to live prosperous and happy lives. Hostility formed against a person, religion, or group can cause pain.
To everyone affected by others prejudice, my advice to you is to pray for those that despitefully use or say all manner of evil against you. My prayers are for you and those who are prejudiced in an unfavorable way.
“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD” (Isaiah 54:17).
When Jesus was hanging on the cross, one of the men hanging beside him stated that Jesus did not deserve to be crucified. Jesus told the man that he would be with Him in paradise.
Today, decide that your opinions WILL matter. Not for evil, but for good.
“The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3).
Bishop Derek E. Eurales, Sr. has been pastor of First Opportunity Free Will Baptist Church in Carrier Mills, Illinois, since December 1988 and continues to stand on and preach the “Word”. He oversees the Southern Illinois Annual of Free Will Baptists (Western Division). To read his full biography, click here. Feel free to contact him today to share your testimony!