Wisely Choose Your Battles
I was advised many years ago by a fellow pastor to not major in the minors when it came to church ministry, and to not use the pulpit to create unnecessary division. Another friend said, "Choose your battles wisely." At the time, I was youth pastoring in Gadsden, Alabama. A local Christian radio station gave free air time to pastors who wished to debate controversial issues. Every Monday morning two ministers, previously scheduled, became openly combative with one another. I detested it, and refused to participate.
Nothing good ever comes from God's people engaging in such tomfoolery. This gospel is too wonderful to argue about. In my opinion, unbelievers do not need to hear us fight but rather avoid those hotbed issues that are of a non-essential nature. One particular Monday, two pastors, one a Pentecostal and the other a Baptist, debated the validity of tongues in today's Christian community. Their argument grew fierce and unkind. The whole debacle brought reproach on the gospel! People from the community called in with questions, and the whole ordeal got out of control. People became divisive toward each other. Entire churches became irrational. Then, the following week two other pastors debated the topic, "Once saved, always saved." The very same uproar ensued. This is a Gospel of love!
Is there ever a time to defend the faith and what we believe to be true? Of course! However, there is a right place and a right way to accomplish these objectives. May God grant us wisdom to know the difference! We enjoy separation of Church and State in this country, and for good reason. Look how politics divide our country, States, cities and villages, and even members of the same family. Now you can understand why churches cannot allow political bantering inside their four walls. This practice defies our reason for being.
Jesus never took on the powers that be; He simply preached the gospel, and commanded His followers to do the same. This gospel is transforming and saving. When we see lives changed, culture changes. Anger, name-calling, open air fighting, and hate never accomplish what only prayer and gospel preaching can accomplish. Yes, there is a time to "rally the troops," but to do so with anger, threats, rioting, hate slurs, cursing, etc is to invite further implosion. Like begets like! When will the church learn that we cannot legislate righteousness? "It's not by our might, nor by our power, but by the Spirit of the Lord" (Zechariah 4:6).
I've noticed that some Christians, pastors included, love a good argument. They love to debate. They love to prove someone else wrong. They love the "fight to be right." This attitude smacks of pride. The problem is that few, if any, have the ability to argue without becoming angry and hurtful. This brings contempt upon the gospel. Many participate in spiritual boxing matches, believing they are contending for the faith. God's Word is too precious to reduce to a knock-down, drag-out experience. That's why on Tuesdays evenings, I discourage our men from saying things like, "I disagree," or "That's not right" during our Bible study. Mutual respect is life-giving. Everyone is learning! We let well enough alone.
This is one reason why American politics are in such a mess. People cannot disagree without becoming disagreeable, or even hate-filled. From the White House, to the halls of government, to local precincts, to our homes, hate fills the atmosphere. Where hate is modeled, confusion abounds and every evil work. Our right of free speech turns deadly and counter-productive when hate fills the environment. And, the right of free speech does not pertain to local churches. The practice of free speech in the church is synonymous to sowing discord and promoting division. Open mic night may work in bars where karaoke is presented, but never within the sacred walls of local churches. Local churches dare not allow democratic principles to govern. Churches that allow for this type of government most often suffer splits, division, and ultimate failure. Why? Because most people do not know how to choose their battles wisely.
In the church, those who engage in spiritual boxing matches come with their arsenal of Scriptures ready to serve as billy clubs. It often gets out of hand. Those same believers feel it their place to express disagreement regarding specific scriptures, forgetting that we are all at a different place and perspective in our walk. There's a difference between a mentor or being a menace.
While I also hold strong personal opinions about what I believe, I have come to understand that unless the Scriptures are ironclad clear on a given topic, I'm better off assigning them to a non-essential category. If the matter at hand is not a salvation issue, then I feel it wise to concede any harsh stances. Like you, I will not negotiate on the essentials (For example: Jesus is the Son of God, and the only way to heaven). However, if you want to debate whether He had brown eyes or blue, it doesn't matter! By the way, have you ever seen a blue-eyed Middle Easterner? Just asking!
What other topics do I refuse to debate? Here are a few:
- The Rapture (pre-mid-post tribulation)
- Bible translations (KJV only!)
- The Trinity versus Oneness Theology
- Women preachers (pastors)
- Spiritual gifts
- Conspiracy theories
- Creation theories
- Signs, wonders and miracles
- Jesus and political parties
- Modern day prophets
I know! Instead of wasting precious time creating division, spreading confusion, and causing others frustration, let's tell somebody about the life-changing power of Jesus! Tell someone how He has made a difference in your life. There's power in the telling! No one can argue with a changed life.