Do everything without grumbling or arguing…
Summary: In this meditation, we continue with our exploration of what it means to do everything without arguing.
In our last meditation, we examined the dangers of assuming authority that is not ours. Scripture that has authority is what the Bible calls “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
My understanding of “God-breathed” is that the word being spoken is directly from God. It does not originate in the mind of man (Jeremiah 23:16). So the question becomes one of humility: Are we humble enough to admit we are not “God?”
Okay… but aren’t we supposed to stand up for what is right? Aren’t we supposed to speak “truth in love” as Paul writes in Ephesians 4:15?
The answer to this requires a bit of wisdom.
First of all, it helps to follow the example of the Berean Jews in Paul’s day. Luke, the author of the Book of Acts, says this about the Bereans:
“Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” (Acts 17:11)
What does the Bible say? This is where we find the origins of the wisdom we need (Proverbs 9:10).
Jesus, in his Sermon on the Mount, listed godly attitudes that are blessed. He says the “poor in spirit” [the humble] are blessed. So are the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart, and the peacemakers (Matthew 5:3-9).
Who is Jesus describing? Someone loudly declaring what they believe is more true than what the other person believes? Or, is he describing someone willing to tolerate a different point of view in the interest of peace?
In his letter to the church at Rome, Paul writes:
“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.” (Romans 14:1)
What is a “disputable matter?”
That is a good question! The Bible is full of statements that people argue over. Unfortunately, given the flexibility of usage common to most words, nailing down exact meanings is difficult. Add to that the complications of translating between languages, and the possible permutations of meanings expand even more. All of this makes it difficult for people to find common ground.
Peter writes, “For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:17). Jesus says, “[D]o not resist an evil person” (Matthew 5:39).
Perhaps, in the end, it boils down to this: It is okay to discuss things, but not to argue. It is up to you and me, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to discern the difference.
Application: Discuss, but do not argue. Ask God for help discerning the difference.
Food for Thought: How do we tell where the line is between a discussion and an argument?
Thank you Jeff for doing today’s reading about putting up with me. I appreciate you.
LOL!
You are welcome, Tim! And I thank you for putting up with me! 🙂
Good devotion.
In beginning to answer the question I looked up the definitions of both argument and discussion. Argument being defined as having a forceful tone and agenda, and a discussion being a gentle exchange of ideas. In my mind I saw an argument as an attempt to “shoot fish in a barrel” and a discussion as “casting a net.” In terms of serving Christ, both are intended to bring others to Him, but casting a net better reflects the character of Christ.
How do we tell where the line is between a discussion and an argument?
An argument lacks self-control; a discussion is contained and guided.
2 Corinthians 10:5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,
Proverbs 9-11
9 If a wise man has an argument with a fool,
the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.
10 Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless
and seek the life of the upright.
11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit,
but a wise man quietly holds it back.
An argument says “I am greater”; a discussion says “God is greater.”
Luke 9:46-48 An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”
An argument does not seek to understand; a discussion seeks to understand. How can we be kind to others if we do not take the time to understand their needs?
Proverbs 18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.
2 Timothy 2:23-24 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,
Thank you, Chris!
Well said. Excellent descriptions of both arguments and discussions.
How do we tell where the line is between a discussion and an argument?
The path of righteousness is achieved through sound reasoning not heated arguments.
One evening, years ago, in a Marine Corps barracks, a Marine with a fifth of whiskey was arguing with another who was reading his bible. The loud voice of the quite drunk Marine drew a crowd. At one point, this man with the whiskey, yelled, “YOU MEAN TO TELL ME, IF I DO NOT ACCEPT JESUS CRIST AS LORD, I AM GOING TO HELL??” The man with the Bible quietly replied, “I am not telling you that, God is.” With that the Marine with the bottle took a big swig of whiskey, loudly said, “ WELL I DON’T BUY THAT”, and with the palm of his right hand, he slapped the cork back into his bottle, which slipped out of his left hand and broke on the concrete floor.
The man with the bottle wanted to argue, the man either the Bible was responding reasonably, which brought a roar of laughter from all listening, and with loud calls, “GOD TOOK YOUR BOTTLE”, we returned to our individual racks and headed into a nights sleep.
Colossians 3:16, Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.
2 Timothy 1:7, For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Galatians 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Our opposition is knowingly headed for eternal darkness, separation from God in the furnace of hell, He is going kicking and scratching as he seeks to take as many as he can with him.
All believers rest in the full knowledge and peace of where we are going as we gently spread the Good News of Jesus Christ as we are led by our loving God.
Thank you, Ron.
That is a powerful illustration of the difference between the two!