Pastor to the Stars : Walking with Christ : Debating vs. Contending

Navigate
Home

Walking with Christ
What is a Christian?
Truth vs. Tradition
From the Heart
Did God Really Say?
Debating/Contending
Slain in the Spirit?
Free Indeed

Share This Page

Debating vs. Contending

In a world of loneliness, chaos, and uncertainty about the future, many people turn to Christian Ministries on the Internet seeking fellowship, prayer, guidance, and a deeper understanding of God's Word. However, what many find in forums, chatrooms, and on webblogs is heated debate, strife, conflict, and division in the body of Christ (not to mention many teachings which are not in line with Scripture).

Rather than keeping the unity and harmony that we are taught as Christians to keep with one another, there is division. Imagine how Jesus must feel when He sees heated, angry debates "in His name". And while the Bible teaches that we are to "earnestly contend for the faith" or to defend the Gospel (Jude 3), we must recognize and understand that there is a difference between defending the Truth and debating various issues.

So let me ask you. Does debating please God?

God has provided us with the following Scriptures to warn and instruct us:

"Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting (overthrowing) of the hearers." -2 Timothy 2 :14

Here Paul warns us that quarreling has no value, and has the very real potential of ruining or overthrowing the faith of others.

"But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law*; for they are unprofitable and vain." -Titus 3:9
*law - Greek: nomikos, nomos -- specifically of Moses; also of the Gospel [Strong's #3544, 3551]

If someone who is seeking God witnesses those who claim that they love Him debating and disputing with each other, how then will they come to Christ? And why would they want to?

Let us, by following Christ's example, love one another, build one another up, and lead others to Him, in unity, peace, and in truth.

"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify one another." -Romans 14:19

Father,

May we, under the guidance of Your Holy Spirit, perceive the difference between defending the Gospel against heresy, and debating or striving about words. I pray that we, therefore, follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify one another. For I pray and ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Top | Home | Next