As we watch the topics of modern-day hit the media we can always expect a wave of social media response -- the thoughts and opinions of the beautiful, unique and complex people all over the earth. It is really an amazing time to be alive to witness such an interaction across oceans and countries. I have recently joined this global dialogue to add my thoughts much like an artist with his paints and brushes.

As much as I like to be a part of this universal art project of ideas and opinions, I have witnessed the fight I have had for my thoughts to matter. In other words, when I contribute some concepts and ideas, I can’t help but hope that others will agree and join me in “my” dialogue. It sounds self-centered and a bit arrogant. Who am I? I know what I know. I don’t know what I don’t know but I live and act like I know everything. Why do I do this? Why do we think and act this way? Look at the apostle Paul’s words to a city full of Christ followers.

Galatians 4-6: I suspect you would never intend this, but this is what happens. When you attempt to live by your own religious plans and projects, you are cut off from Christ, you fall out of grace. Meanwhile we expectantly wait for a satisfying relationship with the Spirit. For in Christ, neither our most conscientious religion nor disregard of religion amounts to anything. What matters is something far more important: faith expressed in love.

7-10: You were running superbly! Who cut in on you, deflecting you from the true course of obedience? This detour doesn’t come from the One who called you into the race in the first place. And please don’t toss this off as insignificant. It only takes a minute amount of yeast, you know, to permeate an entire loaf of bread. Deep down, the Master has given me confidence that you will not defect. But the one who is upsetting you, whoever he is, will bear the divine judgment.

Reflect on James' words in James 4.

4 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?

2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.

We can agree that Jesus is my only hope and happiness in this life and ransomed me from my sin and eventual death.

We can agree that this amazing love story is written by God and given to us as the Holy Bible.

We can agree that the interpretation of this amazing life-giving truth is challenging and a life-long daily commitment.

My thoughts really don’t matter but the Creator’s words are everything. He matters.

Do you agree?