Columnist: Deborah Esther Nyamekye

Introductory Discourse:

Whose opinion really matters ? God’s or those of other people? Sadly not everyone treats others with the respect every human being merits. Some will choose to respect or treat others nicely,kindly or respectfully only based on what appeals to them in terms of the person’s economic/social status, culture, religion, nationality or race. This is the fallen ungodly nature still raging within.

Let us examine our hearts and if we have this tendency to repent and ask God for forgiveness and cleansing. It is not too late to start afresh and change our ways.We must always remember that who we are or our worth is not based on how people, society or the “status quo” defines us, but rather on who God Almighty defines us according to His Word. Can I get an Amen?!

This prophetic poem is intended to remind us, give us some uplifting and inspiration as we interact with one another:

POEM: The Only Opinion that Matters

If people complain “my you look so plain” or don’t like you ’cause of your hair and barely there or no make up flair or whatever the superficial reason, ask yourself “Whose opinion of me shall I put on the shelf, the Most High’s or those who elevate self and denigrate other people’s worth?”

The Word of God never on the shelf but in your heart is rich with God’s opinion to impart.Christ did not entrust himself to man ’cause he knew what was in their hearts. Entrust yourself to God who declares all men equal, as a creature in His image your unique outer and inner self is great to behold! If saved by Christ, washed in his blood then brother, sister you are the righteousness of God and His workmanship in Christ Jesus, to do the works of God. A clay jar you are with treasure within revealing that the excellency of power is of God and not of men.Take heed to pay no attention to opinions that lead to destruction. When some shun and reject you if they find your exterior wrapping unappealing, it is true to say “a chance they have missed to be blessed by the treasure therein.” Their blinded eyes deceiving them that they can see, they live life in realms of superficiality rejecting the “skin deep” reality and end up drowning in a sea of frivolity.God chose David to be Israel’s King not for his appearance but ’cause he was a man after God’s own heart.

Accept only the opinion of God who said “People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart (1)”, and remember to “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life (2)”. Scriptural inspiration: Ephesians 2:10, 2 Corinth. 5:21, 2 Corinth 4:7.

Quotes (1) 1 Sam 16:7 NLT (2) Proverbs 4:23 ©Deborah E. Nyamekye 03/07/2016