AIN’T NOBODY GOT TIME FOR THAT!

Never before has it been so easy to argue! Come on, be honest, some of us love it – when you see a thread and you have some knowledge of the subject, (or a fast enough internet connection to be on google and wiki at the same time)  you get a little dopamine hit and feel the adrenaline run to your finger tips. A good argument can boost your ego and make you feel good, but we know arguing is bad, so we therefore substitute ‘argument’ with the word debate – there is always room for a good debate!

If it’s not face-to-face (which I would think would probably be least likely way to argue nowadays) it’s on Facebook, Twitter, blog threads, text message, email…and I’m sure the list can go on.

  
As I picked up my bible this morning – and then accidently dropped it, it fell open to a particular passage I must’ve highlighted quite a while back as I don’t remember doing it. This is what it said:

“Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are. Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools, or they will become wise in their own estimation”. (‭Proverbs‬ ‭26‬:‭4-5‬ NLT)

Ok. Right. So straight away this passage is making me feel foolish because I’m looking at it, and in a matter of two verses it seems to be totally contradicting itself! But after scratching my head and taking some time to think on it, I think I found some clarity.

What I think Soloman, the writer of Proverbs 26 is telling us to choose our arguments wisely. 

Let’s face it some people just love to argue! It doesn’t matter what it’s about, how much knowledge they actually have on the subject; they’re all in. Others I’ve encountered have had a chip on their shoulder about a particular subject or view, and will therefore fight vehemently and aggressively for something that has stemmed from something else unseen…and then others just have wayyyy to much time! 

Before engaging in any sort of conflict or argument I think it’s wise to ask ourselves a few questions:

1. Is my opinion going to be valued and listened too, or will I just be more noise in a shouting match?

2. Is the argument I’m entering into going to draw out the best in me and those who are going to read it?

3. Is this something that I am  passionate enough about to defend/oppose to the extent that I may upset/hurt others?

I can’t number the amount of times my fingers have been poised over the keyboard in a response to a comment or post that has irritated me or got my back up…but as I let the initial flood of irritation wash away I’m left thinking is this really worth it? Proverbs 29:11 tells us that “fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back”. Wow. Profound truths often come in simple sentences.

One last thing I just want to highlight:

Paul writing to Timothy urges him in Tim 6:20 not to engage in ‘godless chatter’ and I honestly think this does include arguments ABOUT God between believers. I find it so discouraging to see believers ripping shreds into each other over small differences in theology (please note I’m not talking about foundational biblical truths here, more that which would be open to interpretation).

 The tragedy is I have met, and know people who are on a journey looking for truth, and in the course of their journey unfortunately stumble on these argumentitive threads – this can be so damaging,  putting a massivly bad face on a people who should be known for their love and grace.

  

Ain’t nobody got time for that! Don’t get caught up in things that don’t matter…there are things of far more importance than whether you believe in a literal 7 day creation, the gap theory or a pre/mid/post tribulation rapture or even if you believe in a rapture at all – this is idle chatter compared with sharing the love and saving power of Jesus to a soul who is hungry to encounter Him.

There is a time to argue for what is right, but there is also wisdom in knowing that there are times to stay quiet. Always try to think beyond your initial first thought. Think two or three moves ahead before getting bogged down in a slanging match that really won’t accomplish anything. Take a breath and ask yourself, is it really worth it?