But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels, and the bondservant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance, leading to the knowledge of the truth 2 Timothy 2:23-25
I have started this post at least ten times. But each time, I can’t seem to quite get it right. I don’t know - maybe I chicken out, fearing rejection or being misunderstodd. Today, I am going to get these thoughts down and pray that the Lord speaks instead of me…
Let me begin by saying I love to win. I am not one of those “it doesn’t matter if you win or lose, just have fun playing” kind of people. Nope. I like to WIN. Whether it’s an argument or a board game or a ball game (well, my TEAM - I don’t play anything :) ), I like to win.
And while I am uncomfortably sure that my pride is involved in liking to win (at least the arguments, anyway), it is important to acknowledge that I want to be on the side of RIGHT. Not merely BEING right but being on the side of right. More than a few times, I have changed by position after study and contemplation when I became convinced that I was initially on the wrong side.
So let’s begin with understanding that I am by no means a “peace at all costs” or “avoid confrontation” kind of gal. Not at all. Remember - I like to win!
That said….I want to talk about us Christians and our arguments. Or “stands” or “convictions” or maybe you have another term for when we take issue with another viewpoint and attack. We’ve all seen different issues play out on social media and maybe even in person. And often, we jump right in, on one side or the other, in an attempt to prove we are right…to win. So many times, I want to react to posts or comments and share “my two cents’worth” but the verse from 2 Timothy often restrains me.
I have seen alot of attacks and arguments. But I have lately seen alot of humble and gentle correction. And I just want to applaud those who are standing for truth - not so much in an effort to “win” but it seems instead a desire to lead those who are in opposition TO TRUTH….to Christ. How I pray that we all can see that our desire to argue or attack is an indication of pride. Respectful, gentle debate in pursuit of truth should rather be our goal. But may we do so NOT out of a desire to please MAN but rather to honor GOD. The fear of man leads to a snare…but whoever trusts in the Lord will be safe (Proverbs 29:25.
And ultimately, what we want is for others to see that JESUS is right…not us.