Passive Acceptance, Lazy Brute Force (Pt. 2)
Why do you believe what you believe? Why do you disagree with others that believe differently? We need to consider this concerning our biblical thinking, so that we may be a better witness and testimony for Christ and a better Christian in our daily walk.
Lazy Brute Force
What is usually your first plan of action when presented with someone that disagrees with you? Is it to coward down or to come out fighting? What about honest debate, mingled with a hint of charity? Do you quickly say, “You are wrong because you are a (insert a denomination, pastor, school, etc.)” or “I have always believed this way, so you are wrong to think differently”? Yeah, you might not say them out loud, but do you think them? Remember simply because you believe it does not make it right, and because they believe it does not make it wrong; the Word of God is the final authority. Sometimes we may need to consider what the other person is saying, get up from the couch and television, blow the dust off our Bibles, and take a look inside to see what we find. And don’t forget to pray and ask the Spirit to give you godly wisdom and grace to accept the knowledge that you may be given. I am afraid that too often, it may be, we take offence to the fact that someone is challenging our beliefs, and since we have never really taken the time to study them out for ourselves, all we are left with is Lazy Brute Force to reply with.
Am I saying that one should listen, consider, and test each belief that one hears from others that disagree with them? Again, if you cannot personally present clear scripture as to the fact that what they present is unbiblical, then yes I would say it would be a disservice to yourself and others you may encounter if you do not consider taking the time to study it.
Lazy Brute Force
What is usually your first plan of action when presented with someone that disagrees with you? Is it to coward down or to come out fighting? What about honest debate, mingled with a hint of charity? Do you quickly say, “You are wrong because you are a (insert a denomination, pastor, school, etc.)” or “I have always believed this way, so you are wrong to think differently”? Yeah, you might not say them out loud, but do you think them? Remember simply because you believe it does not make it right, and because they believe it does not make it wrong; the Word of God is the final authority. Sometimes we may need to consider what the other person is saying, get up from the couch and television, blow the dust off our Bibles, and take a look inside to see what we find. And don’t forget to pray and ask the Spirit to give you godly wisdom and grace to accept the knowledge that you may be given. I am afraid that too often, it may be, we take offence to the fact that someone is challenging our beliefs, and since we have never really taken the time to study them out for ourselves, all we are left with is Lazy Brute Force to reply with.
Am I saying that one should listen, consider, and test each belief that one hears from others that disagree with them? Again, if you cannot personally present clear scripture as to the fact that what they present is unbiblical, then yes I would say it would be a disservice to yourself and others you may encounter if you do not consider taking the time to study it.
** And don’t forget charity. **
Proverbs 3:7; Acts 17:11; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 13; 2 Timothy 2:15-16; 1 John 4:1
4 comments:
Very practicle advise and well said.
Grace and Peace,
Royce Ogle
Good stuff. I find that too many times I feel that any admittance of error on my part is an admittance that those who taught me were wrong as well. And what else might they be wrong on, and...
It's easier to close my mind and avoid all slippery slopes.
Grace and peace,
Tim
i have been trying to learn how to discern between an earnest appeal to persuade me toward the divine and the hot air polluting my environment; so that i might make use of either instead of ignoring the 'debates/discussions' entirely as fruitless laborers.
the devil can quote true scripture in a convincing way if the hearer were to not have a spiritually guided idea as to God's love and intent--or even His protection.
i agree with the prayer for an open and seeking heart and the Spirit's guidance on any given subject. i appreciate your encouragement.
Exactly Tim. Too often I fear our pride keeps us from believing the truth when it goes against what we already believe.
And you're right Leslie. The devil indeed uses scripture to his advantage. That is exactly what he presented to Eve, "Yea, hath God said". He just usually puts a slant to it so there is enough truth to bring us in but enough lie to keep us lost.
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