Written by Christie Karns
Have you ever found yourself in a heated discussion with someone? You both feel very passionate about the topic yet both of your views are vastly different. This scenario happens occasionally, as we are not going to agree with everyone all the time.
Our country has a great history having produced many great innovations. The details of these were no doubt discussed vigorously. However, disagreements should never escalate to the point where we get angry. That has occurred of late with many riots and protests occurring in our country. People are determined to make their opinion known at all costs. Sadly, some of these protests and riots turn so violent that businesses are destroyed and innocent people are injured or even killed.
Let us ask ourselves a question, “What do we use to form our convictions?”
God gave us a mind and He also gave us a conscience. These are two tools that you should use to form your values. Our internal compass of right and wrong should help us discern facts and form an opinion. But once we’ve arrived at that conclusion, we often feel the need to convince others of our viewpoint.
Next, we must analyze our convictions. Something may be important to me, but does my neighbor have to feel the same way? For example, I may not approve of my kids having sugar before bed and insist they have a bedtime of 9:30 p.m. This is my prerogative as a parent, but I should not try to push those standards on others or look down at those who do not hold to the same rules. Having a humble view of ourselves and realizing that our way is not the only way will go far in helping us to treat others’ differing opinions with respect.
The meekness we see in Christ when falsely accused is in complete opposition to the fierce spirit we often see on display in society today.
The gospel is always worth defending. When considering our convictions, we must hold them to the light of God’s Word. Man’s opinions will change as well as society’s values. The Word of God never changes. We are called to be a light to this world. When we are sure our values are based in the truth then we will have the confidence to be a bold witness.
However, even in matters of faith, we must handle ourselves in a godly manner. Christ is our example in all things. In Matthew 27:12, when He was accused before the chief priests and Pilot, “He answered nothing.” Isaiah 53:7 affirms that, “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth…” Learning to peaceably disagree with others never means compromising godly values.
This meekness we see in Christ when falsely accused is in complete opposition to the fierce spirit we often see on display in society today. It takes work to find common ground – not just when it comes to our faith, but certainly when it comes to other matters. We do not need to voice our opinion about everything. Like Christ, we need to simply close our mouth at the appropriate time.
Christ was never ashamed of the gospel. He spoke the truth but also knew when to be quiet. Those who want truth will come to the light. The gospel will witness to them and they will rejoice. When faced with those who oppose our strong convictions of truth, we must also learn to speak the truth in love and leave the rest to the Spirit of God to work in men’s hearts.
