Do you have opinions? I certainly do! I have opinions about the economy, about politics, about the weather, about families and about social issues. However, I have had to learn that my opinions are not what define me. My faith is what gives my life substance and value and often my opinions are distractions from that which is eternal.

Often, when Jesus was asked a question about his culture or concerning politics, He would answer either by asking another question or by turning the conversation back to His Father. I want to be like Jesus.

Jesus was never "trapped" by the Pharisees or by the political leaders of the day. He kept His heart and His focus set on that which was eternal, not the temporary.

One day, when Jesus had been teaching the people, the Pharisees came to Him and asked Him whether it was lawful to give money to Caesar or not. Jesus didn't answer their question but immediately but asked them a question instead.

He simply asked the Pharisees whose likeness was engraved on the coin and, of course they responded, "Caesar's likeness."

Jesus gave the answer in the simplest terms imaginable; He said, "Then give to Caesar the things that belong to him and give to God the things that belong to Him."

Jesus didn't involve Himself in political discussions or with argumentative speech. He made a definitive separation between that which was temporary and that which was eternal; He focused on the spiritual, not on the material. I want to be like Jesus.

I certainly believe that there is a time and a place for a Christian to make a stand for righteousness and for morality. However, I would rather be kind than right; I would rather be gentle than argumentative. I would rather win someone to Christ than spout political preferences and be divisive about temporary issues.

I would rather be like Jesus.

Carol McLeod is an author and popular speaker at women's conferences and retreats, where she teaches the Word of God with great joy and enthusiasm. Carol encourages and empowers women with passionate and practical biblical messages mixed with her own special brand of hope and humor. She has written eight books, including The Rooms of a Woman's Heart, Defiant Joy!, Holy Estrogen!, No More Ordinary, Refined, Joy For All Seasons, Let There Be Joy! and Pass the Joy, Please! which releases on February 1, 2018.Her teaching DVD, The Rooms of a Woman's Heart, won the Telly Award, a prestigious industry award for excellence in religious programming. You can also listen to Carol's "Jolt of Joy" program daily on the Charisma Podcast Network. Connect with Carol or inquire about her speaking to your group at justjoyministries.com.

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