“Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
Colossians 4:6
Over the course of IndependentBaptist.com’s life we’ve posted several articles that some might call “controversial.” They go against the grain of what society has deemed normal. Instead of taking principles and wisdom from the Bible, many have traded certain aspects of the Bible with societal norms, “Progressive Theology” or whatever you’d like to call it and pitch a fit when something is written against it.
Basically, God changes with the times so why haven’t we on these issues.
What issues you might ask? I like to call them lifestyle issues.
To name a few: dress, money, alcohol, church attendance, music, etc. Issues that affect how we live.
I have come to see an alarming trend among Christians. People are quiet on issues like love, grace, soulwinning, church, Jesus, God, others, faith, family, prayer, just about everything else in the Bible; but as soon as you touch something that affects their lifestyle, the internet blows up.
People whom you might not even knew were Christian are now scholars and theologians versed in Greek and Hebrew. They seem to be able to quote, reference, and interpret scripture as fast as Jesus. Their knowledge is increasing by the second and is about as infinite as Google……..
People whom you thought were Christian show a side that you’ve never seen. Some become extremely defensive to the point of anger.
People will throw out arguments about why do we even discuss this stuff. “Aren’t there better and more edifying things to talk about?” (90% of our posts are about the other things).
People have lost the art of conversation and can’t seem to talk opinions out. Harmless opinion turns to hateful attack sometimes.
It is funny too, because they only happen over social issues. Every time!
So what can we do about this you might ask?
Don’t Forget How To Have a Conversation!
Here is 3 simple things to remember:
1. You’re not going to agree with everyone and everyone’s not going to agree with you.
And that’s OK! In fact, that’s normal. Everyone has different opinions on just about everything. Shaped by our lives, circumstances, beliefs, conversations, there is NO WAY that everyone will have the same opinion. And that’s OK!
2. Just because someone disagrees with you doesn’t mean they are attacking you.
Society has lost the “art of conversation.” We can no longer sit down and express differences and opinions without it turning into an all out war. The desire to “win” the argument has taken over the desire to learn from the conversation. Just because someone disagrees with you doesn’t mean they are attacking you (unless they have nothing else to say and start attacking to cover up for lack of knowledge in the discussion).
3. Treat everyone like you would like to be treated.
We’ve all heard the “Golden Rule” yet throw it out the window when it comes to conversation on social issues. The conversation has turned bad and now we are throwing everything we can at them to demean and discredit their argument and their character.
If you don’t like to be called names; don’t call others names.
If you don’t like your character to be scrutinized, don’t scrutinize others’ character.
If you don’t like to be demeaned, don’t demean others.
If you want to be respected, show the same respect to others.
To the “Closet Scholars and Theologians,” don’t forget Colossians 4:6.
“Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
You seem to know every facet of the argument your in, but neglect Christ’s commands on how to treat others . Don’t forget this verse as well and remember to discuss with grace.
Conclusion:
Everyone is going to have different opinions. That doesn’t mean you have to lose you’re Christianity and tear down everyone who doesn’t agree with you.
Will you read articles on other websites about social issues? Of course!
Are we going to post other articles on social issues? Of course!
Are you going to lose your “religion” when talking to others? I hope not.
Don’t forget how to have a conversation.
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.