2 “You must not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you are called to testify in a dispute, do not be swayed by the crowd to twist justice. 3 And do not slant your testimony in favor of a person just because that person is poor.
Exodus 23:2–3 (NLT)
We are living through challenging and interesting times. I don’t believe any of you would disagree that the current dialog in the public arena, whether on national news media or popular social media platforms, develops a lot of controversy on a variety of societal issues. Sometimes we want to jump in and respond but how do I respond in a way that honors my God. This Exodus scripture above states very important principles for me to be guided by. One principle is saying to me, don’t just run with the crowd or majority but rather be thoughtful, factual, respectful, and also fair. Speak not with my own small authority of opinion but always speak with the authority of the truth.
I find myself many times wanting to lash out verbally at what I consider injustices and questionable information.Then I remember, I am no better than the ones I’m lashing out against. It can be that my facts aren’t facts at all. Just because something has been stated in our national media doesn’t always mean it is factual and certainly anything coming from opinion makers should be taken with a “grain of salt”.
The second part of this scripture says, “...do not slant your testimony in favor of a person just because that person is poor.” I find it very easy to be caught up in taking the side of an issue based on empathy with my desired outcome rather than trusting God with outcomes. Whether it be taking sides based on race, ethnicity or some other sympathetic factor such as them being poor. When we do that, we are likely trying to play God and trying to manipulate the conversation in favor of an outcome I am hoping for.
What is the value of this topic/discussion as it relates to our everyday living. I believe that protecting our reputation by not making frivolous or careless comments in any given moment may have long term advantages. For an example, God may have a time in the future when He would use one of us as His ambassador and if we have kept ourselves clean and out of the noisy controversial debates, we can speak from the higher ground of openness. What do you think is more important, taking a side and screaming about something in the moment or waiting for an opportunity to speak to someone or some group where you can be heard with calmness and appropriate consideration?
Being polite and thoughtful is being classy.
slandering others makes you a fool.
(Pr 10:18)
Truth Told 
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