There’s something in everybody that makes them want to be heard. We’re told as babies to speak, and when we do everyone around claps and cheers. As we grow older, we begin to speak without a filter until we learn what is acceptable in certain places at certain times. There are times and places where you can express your opinions but in situations where your opinion will cause division and confusion. Truth is what needs to be heard instead. Referees must consult the rule book and judges must refer to the law, which is not open to interpretation.
Hebrews 12:1-2 CSB
Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter b of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, c he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The word “therefore” always means that you need to go back. Everyone mentioned in Hebrews 11 had their own opinions about themselves, about their situation, and about God. But none of that mattered; faith and truth are the only things that matter. Christ is the Christian’s truth. He is the rule book. And even He uses His Father as a reference for what is true. The writer in Hebrew 12 reminds us that a crowded place full of people wanting to learn the truth is not a place for opinions and personal feelings. Public disagreements among believers can only have a negative effect. He talks as if running a race. When you’re running a race and all you have is endurance you don’t stop for trivial things. You keep your focus on the end… the truth. That’s the only thing that matters. And faith is what will get you there.