Shaping My Opinion
There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? James 4:12 (ESV)
Where I work, we have a new manager. I had not met her but I certainly have heard lots of rumors and complaints about her. “She is changing everything!” and “She thinks she knows it all!” I finally told them that they needed to give her a chance. After all, she’d only been there a month. I suggested that they get to know her before voicing such negativity. My Pollyanna approach did not go over well! My co-workers looked at me as if I had spoken a foreign language. After they left, I did ponder this encounter.
A week later, I got the opportunity to meet and work with her. When I found her name on the schedule, I immediately went into my fret mode. I tend to worry and play the what-if game. ‘What if they are right? What will I do if she is a pushy one and tries to exert her authority to let me know she’s the new sheriff in town? If I don’t like her management style, how will I handle this?’
The morning arrived and with it came anxiety. Yes, I know what God’s word says; Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6, ESV). I prayed all the way to work.
By the time I arrived at work and met her, she was no longer a two-headed gargoyle that spit shooting flames. She didn’t have any fangs that I could see nor did she carry a whip, cattle prod, or taser.
She extended her hand and offered a genuine smile. We exchanged greetings. From a different perspective, I saw her as a newbie who did what I used to do at the beginning of each new school year—start strict and strong. I saw her doubt, her wavering self-confidence about where or if she would ever fit in. Without being asked, she stepped right in to help me and I thanked her. By this time, I was feeling a little confused—but relieved.
I had to ask for God’s forgiveness as I drove home. I had let other people shape my opinion of a stranger. But when I look at her now, I catch glimpses of her through His eyes.
What an insightful lesson!
Heavenly Father, thank You for this lesson! Help me not to fall prey to gossip or judge others. AMEN.