In our part of the world, there are many issues being
debated with great furor. This always happens when an election is looming, but
some of them start long before the politicians step in. These issues include
climate change, carbon emissions, the use and movement of fossil fuels,
abortion, gender differences, human rights, and a host of other topics. When I
first started writing for a newspaper (several years ago) I decided to keep out
of controversial discussions that were not covered by the Word of God. He says
nothing about street drugs, vaping, pipelines and most political issues. These
verses are one reason for my decision:
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, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. (2 Timothy 2:23–26)
The other reason is that God deals with the source of our
problems, the human heart. Jesus called the people to him and said to them, “Hear and understand: it is not what goes
into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this
defiles a person.”
The disciples didn’t get it so He explained, “Do you not see that whatever goes into
the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? But what comes out of the
mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart
come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness,
slander. These are what defile a person.” (Matthew 15:10–20)
All the activities of life come from within. Sin and self
can rule if I let them, but because I believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and
Savior, He also lives there. My responsibility is to live according to His way
and His way is not to be embroiled in issues that come from the self-centered
old nature, that former way of thinking that is fearful, wants to protect
myself and my opinions, cares nothing for what others think, and has no
interest in God or His plans. In other words, don’t get caught up in arguing
about issues.
Further, the issues that people argue about are under the
control of the Lord. He is sovereign and using what happens for His purposes.
Since His ways are higher than my ways, and since He does not always reveal to
me what He is doing, I have no business or basis for forming and blasting out
opinions, even on many theological issues. I only know for certain what He
says, and even then, I can misinterpret Him. Far better to tread carefully.
The sad part is that we have a spiritual enemy that
specializes in lies. In all these controversies, I can see him tossing in his lies
and confusing people. Much of what is debated is tinged with fear, and I know God is not the author of fear (2 Timothy
1:7) or confusion (1 Corinthians
14:33). He is not stirring the controversy.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Lord God, I’m thankful that truth is solid ground and You
are reliable. You may not give me the full picture on any given issue, but You
do reassure me that You are in charge and that I don’t need to debate opinions
and take sides. Eventually the issues will be resolved, not by debate or human
research but by Your will being done. I’m content to rest in You. Winning a
debate is not nearly as interesting or as challenging as being kind to everyone
and patiently enduring evil. You ask me to gently correct lies and focus on the
truth. Grant me wisdom and the grace to be that kind of person so that those embroiled
in issues can see what is of primary importance — the state of their heart
before You.
The freedom to worship Jesus.
Meeting new people today at brunch in our church.
The ability to watch world rugby on television from the
other side of the world.
Sunday afternoon naps.
Prayer tonight with other believers.
Answered prayer.
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