Praise & Pray

Can we be honest? Arguing has become a sport for many of us. Such arguments go beyond silly banter and devolve into heated disagreements that feature insults and other verbal jabs. Often, when we gather at our watering holes, an argument has to pop up. It could be about anything - the latest episode of our favorite show, or something a politician said. There is always something to argue about.

However, believers are called to avoid arguing. Philippians 2:14-15 - Do everything without grumbling or arguing, /so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. Alas, many of us not only struggle not to grumble and complain, but we also struggle not to argue with others.

People argue for all sorts of reasons, including to entertain themselves and others. Yet, what typically fuels such communication is negative emotions. These include anger, ego, pride, jealousy, and more. Nobody chooses to get into an argument when they feel peaceful or connected with the Holy Spirit, for instance. Under such circumstances, one would be cautious to preserve that sense of quiet and opt to mind their business, staying out of anything messy.

Our inability to avoid arguments, in a world where arguing has become the norm, causes us to miss out on becoming God's blameless and pure children who stand out from others and shine like the stars. When we don't shine, our ability to serve as godly vessels is limited, jeopardizing fruitfulness. The only one who benefits from this is satan. It also gains when we argue because we forget that God said He doesn't answer the fasting and prayers (Isaiah 58:4). Making our prayers ineffective is one of satan's many objectives. After all, then, we are less of a threat to its schemes.

God wants to make us blameless on the day of Jesus Christ. He also desires to fulfill our prayers, big and small. Nonetheless, our cooperation is required. One way to cooperate with His plan for us is to agree with Him by avoiding arguments with others. As we do this, the temptation to argue decreases, and we grow to recognize that most arguments are meaningless. They certainly do little to increase our chances of making it into heaven.

Now, if it is your job or there is a genuine and scriptural need to vehemently defend an issue or person, please go ahead and give it your best. If the 'argument' involves a petty issue that will not bless but will destroy lives through hypercriticism, or could cause us to be hypocritical, then remember God's word and avoid that conversation. And, if this feels 'weak', remember John 18:36 - Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” God has not called us to defend ourselves or show ourselves 'strong', with arguments or otherwise. He also doesn't need us to argue on His behalf. We are to be still and let Him be God. 

Pay attention. If an 'argument' will cause you to defame, gossip, lie, and/or slander, run from the very appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22). That means, void it at all costs. Yes, this will require that you consider the outcome before taking any steps. Counting the cost of our choices should not be foreign to Christians, after all, Jesus taught this in Luke 14:28-32. We also have to be the sort of person who is working on killing their flesh, so we aren't ruled by sin habits. The more we live like this, the less arguing becomes a regular pastime.

Indeed, we are called to be disciplined and not ruled by our emotions and whims. The heart of man is desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). So our hearts, and the often fleeting feelings they contain, must not control us. We are to become familiar with God's voice through His word. We are also called to be prayerful and sensitive to the Spirit of God. It is His job to alert us so we don't go down a path that leads to temptation and sin. On our own, we will fail woefully. The key is to listen and obey so we escape the very things designed to ensnare us.

Arguing is just fighting with words, and we must be careful not to continue doing it. Let us not forget Galatians 5:20-21, which calls arguing an act of the flesh. That scripture places it in the same category as the following sins that will take people to hell: idolatry, witchcraft, factions, sexual immorality, hatred, and angry outbursts. We can't overlook the impact arguments can have on our eternal souls. And by default, the people God placed us on the earth to impact.

Still, let us praise God that despite our sin and imperfection, there is grace available through Jesus to repent. We can also receive help to no longer thrive on arguing with others. The Holy Spirit is charged to remind us to avoid quarrels and instead honor Romans 12:18, which states, If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. The good Lord is our strength whenever we are weak and struggle. He will help us all to become those who avoid quarrels and seek to live peaceably, so we become blameless and pure, IJMN, Amen.

As you wait for fellowship at 12 Noon EST, consider reading the Altar Call below and the following previous P&P messages:

1. Muscle Memory

2. Careful what you say

3. 1 Peter 2:17 (Respect, Love, Fear, Honor)

4. Complete Respect (1 Peter 2:18)

5. Responding to Scoffers

6. Spirit-Filled But Worldly?

7. Anger Leads To Judgment

8. Fasting the Isaiah 58 Way

9. Stop Living Like A Pagan

10. True Beauty

11. Gracious Speech

12. Don't Be satan's Mouthpiece

13. Say No To Factions

14. Pray Not To Be Tempted

15. Pray Against Willful Sin

16. Are You Truly A Christian?

17. Do You Look Like Him?

18. Topic: Grumble/Grumbling and Complaining

19. Topic: How satan speaks

20. Topic: The Words We Speak