Argumentative

When people reach a certain age, my age, for example, we have definite opinions. Children usually express the opinions of their parents but as children grow into adults, they are bombarded with propaganda. They discover new facts, develop new insights, and form their own opinions. At least, that’s the healthy thing to do–form one’s own opinions and not just parrot the opinions of lawmakers or celebrities or newscasters or the opinions expressed by writers. The Lord gave us a brain. We are supposed to use it and think for ourselves.

Yesterday’s Sunday school discussion was about getting along with other Christians. Arguing is divisive and often leads to quarreling which leads to anger and doesn’t change anybody’s opinion. There’s a certain talent to being authoritative without being overbearing.

Christians should love and respect each other. One thing is necessary: to believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is God’s Son and repent of our sins and trust Him as Savior. If we disagree on methods of worship, type of music, following a prescribed liturgy, that’s fine. We can disagree. We don’t have to be like sheep and everyone think alike but we also don’t have to quarrel about it.

If we believe strongly that something is important, we should be prepared to state why it’s important. On vital issues, we shouldn’t even try the “hands across the aisle” business. Stand firm. Don’t budge. Listen with an open mind, and be able to express valid reasons why you believe as you do. We can be open-minded without being double minded.

The Bible was given for us, a guide to follow, a rock to stand on. It is the only book that contains absolute truth. Following any other doctrine is heresy. The Constitution was given as a guide for a Nation, a road map for a successful country. Varying from solid, tried and true precepts is a dangerous thing. But the type of music we like to listen to, the way we worship the Lord, the food we eat will not get us to Heaven. Let’s “accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, and don’t mess with Mr. In-Between.” (Song: Accentuate the Positive by John Mercer and Harold Arlen)

Hang onto the truth and be ready to say why you believe as you do but, for goodness sake, don’t be hostile. Hostility never convinced anybody. In this day and time, there’s a lot of “in-between”. Don’t mess with it.