Over this past weekend while gathered for a family wedding, There was ample time to discuss the many issues that seem to be dividing segments of our nation as well as Christians. Topics like face masks, vaccinations and lockdowns were on the top of the list. Instead of extending grace to others with a different mindset in the various examples we discussed, people name called, accused and shamed others. In short, they were doing exactly what they say they hated to see in "cancel culture" not realizing their response to someone who disagreed with them was the same type of response they say they despised. How easy it is for us to fall in the trap of reacting based on feelings or emotions that ebb and flow rather than using common sense and critical thinking skills even as our Lord Jesus Christ did on numerous occasions.
One of my long time favorite verses in God's Word comes from Isaiah 55:8-9: "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts higher than your thoughts." God's ability to reason is far above ours, but we are called to use the mind he has given us. Living on emotions is the equivalent of a roller coaster ride. We react to others rather than reason with them even as God has called us to do. Isaiah 1:18a declares: "Come now and let us reason together, says the Lord..."
When we look at many encounters Paul had with those in Synagogues and towns where he traveled, he took time to reason with others using evidence found in Scripture to the truth of Jesus Christ as Messiah. Acts 17:2 says, "And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures..." Then in Acts 18:4, we read: "And he was reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and trying to persuade Jews and Greeks." The Apostle used common sense examples, critical thinking skills to persuade, not coerce, others for the hope that was within him. Jesus Christ has called us to do the same. We are to be the salt and light in this world in order to share the Good News.
Certainly having discussions about the state of our nation, economy, or any other topic can be a good thing if done with mutual respect. However, we all know how easy it is to be sidetracked by the cares of this world. Paul writes this in Colossians 2:8: "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ." Our citizenship is in heaven if we are a Christian, and the Enemy of our Soul would love nothing better than to help us forget our final destination. Instead, Satan would have us worry, fight and stew over side issues in this world so that we become divided. This way he can render us ineffective. Jesus warned His disciples about this in Matthew 24:24: "For false Christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect." So what, then, is the answer in this contentious age?
First, remember that when presented with information do some research on it. Do not accept at face value everything that we read or hear, but we must look at several sources. This is part of the critical thinking process. Knowing God's Word is one way we can evaluate the things we are confronted with. The Bereans checked out everything Paul preached according to the Scriptures to see if it was so. Even in secular matters, we need to do the same.
Secondly, pray about issues before speaking out on them. We must seek God's wisdom on matters of health, safety and the well being of our families. Quickly jumping to conclusions based on emotions or because the neighbor down the street had an article in favor of an issue may lead to consequences we do not like. My father used to say, "If all of your friends decided to jump off a cliff, would you go do it too?" In other words, use common sense and seek the Lord. He is the author of life, and desires to give wisdom to all who ask.
Finally, we all must remember that God is sovereign over all the affairs of men. He puts leaders in power and takes them out for His plan and purpose. We may not like it, but we must trust His goodness, His mercy and His care for us. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. We also know that there will come a day of judgement when God will give us a new heaven and a new earth where justice reigns supreme. This world and all that it offers will soon pass away, but God's Word will stand forever. Therefore my friends, let us not get caught up in bunny trails, conspiracy theories, or worry over the future. Instead, let us cling to the truth of God's Word and deal with one another in love, grace and kindness. We must not get sidetracked but keep our eyes on the goal of God's high calling on our lives. When we do get into discussions, may we all remember to do so with humility, common sense, critical thinking and the love of Jesus Christ. This is the kind of conversation that will attract others and point them to Christ whether we win the argument or not. Selah!
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