Hello there.
This subject has been on my mind lately and I have a few questions to pose.
a) Are we more concerned about convincing people that our views are correct?
or
b) Are we more concerned about learning about and promoting the truth? Even if it means periodically reexamining our views.
Or let’s phrase it a little differently.
Are we more excited about proving our own points than we are about starting open and enlightening discussions?
It’s easy to let knowledge go to our heads. We can find ourselves more dedicated to being right than to being wise. We start divisive quarrels over non-essential issues because we desire to be right.
There is nothing wrong with having a good debate on an issue. In fact, I believe it is very beneficial to have open discussion. But we must maintain humility in the process. Part of that humility is recognizing that we could be wrong.
God places people in our lives to sharpen us. In fact, those who are not being sharpened are being dulled. Those who seek to live isolated lives of faith outside of the influence of other Christians are neglecting a wonderful gift.
"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." -Proverbs 27:17
We were designed to be pushed and motivated by others in our thinking and our living. If we are to be useful for Christ, we need to pursue knowledge and wisdom. And so much of this is found when we listen to what other people have to share in the faith.
God desires humility among His servants, so He can teach them.
"He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way." -Psalm 25:9
But what does a mocker (or one who more concerned with being right) do?
"Mockers resent correction, so they avoid the wise." -Proverbs 15:12
"A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes." -Proverbs 13:1
So many have become unteachable. But this is not beneficial. We should be eager to listen, learn and obtain knowledge. Part of that process includes gleaning from the wisdom of others; whether from elders or wise peers.
Division rattles the church as ideology takes precedence over unity. The essential doctrines we need not budge on, but there is much division over petty matters.
I often wonder if we are not doing ourselves a great disservice in the church by not seeking to learn from those with whom we disagree. I often find myself growing through discussion with those who do not share my views on certain issues. I come to see their perspective and it causes me to have more understanding of their view.
Those who are afraid of disagreement in the Body of Christ will never find themselves comfortable in it. Paul speaks of many disagreements in the early church that required grace on both sides. We should seek unity first instead of quickly shutting out those who think differently.
So don’t stay dull. Invite the friction and let the sparks fly!
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