A question people ask is how can one have a different view from the majority and be right? When the majority say something is impossible, how can you say it is possible and be proved right at the end.
In responding to these questions, we would cite the examples of Caleb, one of two who did not follow the majority when 12 of them were to spy out the land of Canaan. Three things are responsible for his ability to defeat the majority:
1. Have Different Spirit
2. Upgrade your Heart and Follow it
3. Have a Big Picture
Different Spirit
God said of Caleb: “But … Caleb, … has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully…” What is Different Spirit?
In the wilderness, despite all God has done for the children of Israel, they were still full of doubt about God. When Moses sent twelve men to spy out the land, the people still went with negative report and got God angry such that He decided that not one of them who came out of Egypt would get to Canaan. The only two people spared were Joshua and Caleb.
The Caleb spirit is one that has seen all the miracles and knew God would not lie. He followed God wholeheartedly such that everyone, God, Moses and Joshua knew his spirit was different. My friend, if you must defeat the majority always, follow God whole heartedly like Caleb.
Upgrade your Heart and follow it
Having seen the miracles, Caleb’s heart was made up (upgraded) to trust God always.
So many times, some of us know what is right in our hearts but we are scared to differ and express it because we don’t want to offend people. Caleb was not like that. His heart was higher than many of his mates and he followed it. Let us be like Caleb, having an upgraded heart and he followed it.
What do you allow in your heart? Can you trust and follow your heart? A heart that is not upgraded, a chicken heart, a corrupt heart, like that of Caleb’s spy mates, cannot be followed. Upgrade your heart, if you must follow it like Caleb!
The Big Picture
The third thing we can see in Caleb is the big picture. What is the big picture?
At 85, when Joshua was sharing the land, Caleb reminded Joshua how Moses swore to him 40 years ago, to give him the land where his foot has trodden. He insisted to Joshua that he wanted the mountains of Hebron.
This is the story: When Moses sent them to spy out the land, Caleb must have seen the mountains and so much desired it. He must have pictured his house on the mountains, thought of many things he would do on the mountain. The Big Picture! Caleb insisted on getting the mountain. He did not joke with his desires. For that reason, he did not give up hope, no wonder he believed that they were well and able to get the land.
You don’t just act or dabble into issues. What is your purpose, the big picture? You can only feature in the future you have its big picture. When you have a strong desire for something, the challenges, discomforts, pains, other people see in it, will not be visible to you.
My friend, it is very possible to have a different opinion from the majority and be right. At all times, know what God is saying to you. Be different. Be certain of your goals and desires. Engage God in discussions always. You won’t miss it.
I hope you have learnt something here…
