I am an opinionated woman, with strong moral, political and religious beliefs. Imagine that! I bet you are shocked.

When close friends and family members share opposing views, it’s OK; I take no offense (unless you are a member of some extreme group who behead and kill for religious differences). It is refreshing when views and opinions are not in agreement with mine because it indicates you have likely taken time to investigate the facts to form your own opinion.

It annoys me when individuals tailgate on the opinion of others while they contently sip on a cocktail of misinformation. Certainly we all know at least one friend or family member who embraces all things posted, written or shared online (or offline) about a topic they know nothing about.

Anyone can form an opinion, but the ability to defend that opinion is what separates a tailgater from a player. Without a solid defense of facts, you will never enter the playing field.

The news media has a monopoly on the information they feed to us. Sadly, we form our opinions based on constant news feeds influenced and purchased by those with a political agenda. If you disagree with that, you have your head buried in the sand and you should probably keep it there.

We are at the mercy of the media and their power to exacerbate or diminish newscasts at will (or under the direction of higher powers). It becomes difficult to seek the truth with so many hidden agendas. Perhaps this is what has given birth to a generation of ‘informational tailgaters’; Christians included.

So how do we find truth amidst all the news hype being presented 24/7, hidden political agendas and deception thrown in our face daily? For me, the starting point is the BIBLE because it offers hope, not just for today, but for eternity. Even more importantly, God’s Word makes us accountable to a higher power who rules with truth and grace.

Christian tailgaters will never enter God’s playing field until they align their views and opinions to God’s Word rather than the popular opinions and views of today’s world. The only way to do that is to read and research the Book of Truth. Only then will you know when you are listening to the Voice of Truth.

“The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.” Psalm 119:160