I wrote a blog awhile ago on eternal security in an attempt to answer my sister's question, "Can I lose my salvation?"
This past week, some blogger guy called me on my answer and said my reasoning attempted to be objective, but utterly failed. We debated it out over email for awhile, and I honestly felt like he was just picking a fight. He encouraged readers to google "eternal security." I found that his website as #1 on that Google search.
Then, I was really hacked. I emailed him, told him that I felt browbeated by him and was sure that he had an agenda.
His response was one of apology for offending me and told me that he didn't run around, trying to find people that disagreed with him. He saw that my writing (according to him) was really good and wanted to appropriately respond with his own opinion. He said that he appreciated my work for the kingdom and blessed me in that.
Every now and again, God puts someone in your life who produces a lot of friction. Eventually, the sparks fly, and something that is still broken in you is exposed. In this case, I realized that I'm still struggling with my right to be right.
At the end of most days, I don't want to humble. I still want to be smarter, better, and more competent than other people - especially other Christians. And God is calling me to die to that.
So today, to the best of my broken ability, I am done with endless debates that only lead to more controversy and dissension in the Body of Christ.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
13 comments:
I think there is a scripture that refers to this...somewhere...but it fails me just now.
We have been blessed in our church in that we have lots of baby Christians. My brother has been very sick and I have been struggling with faith and prayer and healing...all with a side of emotion...and I was praying with one of our mature Christians, and this baby Christian came over, with such a fresh faith and confidence...something I really needed.
Our pastor often says, it's not about what great gifts you have, but about your relationship with Jesus and how well you love. People won't be won to Christ by fancy arguments and words; but by a move of God's spirit and by His love for them (usually evidenced by us).
We see this a lot when our culture conflicts with the morality outlined in the Bible. When it comes to convicting people of sin--that's the job of the Holy Spirit, not us. So no point to argue there. We have to always consider, when discussing things "not essential to salvation" who is "listening" and if the argument is really helpful.
I don't have an answer for "can you lose your salvation" other than to quote 1 Corinthians 3:11-15, where it says that each should take care what he builds on the foundatio of Christ, because the Day will bring it to light...He himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. (very condensed...you should look it up).
I also hate debating on issues of faith. I use to do that a long time ago, but quit because I realized that it didn't produce anything good.
If someone brings up an issue that I don't agree with, I go and pray about it. I seek God and ask him if I am right in my view point, and if I am, to give me wisdom and scriptures. If I am wrong, to show me that way too. If the person is all about debating, I don't talk to them about it because it wouldn't matter what I say because they will not hear it with their heart. If I know that God is wanting me to show that person scriptures and speak with them, I do so. If I am wrong, then I tell them that I am wrong.
Thanks for sharing. The point, of course, is not to provide a good answer to a polemical question, but for all us to learn that being right isn't more important than walking through life in relationship with a brother or sister.
Have you noticed that some of this is an age/maturity thing? I have noticed that it is common for late teens/early 20s to "have it all figured out" and be very legalistic and intolerant--but as they age, they are a little more able to accept differences of opinion and "loosen up"?? Of course, this is only a generalization. I have cetainly known 20-somethings who were never legaliztic--but when "debates" arise, consider the age, and that part of the argument may be due to the person's age and the "stage" they are going through.
Kara - scripture you may have been referring to: 1 Tim 1:4? Check it out here: http://bible.cc/1_timothy/1-4.htm
thanks for the post, Jeff. working at a Christian bookstore, i share the space with a lot of people who have a lot of different beliefs--customers and (especially) coworkers. it grieves me to see how some of the people i work with look for the other "like-minded" ones to associate with--almost in a "better than" sort of way. it's just shallow when we look no deeper than a person's doctrinal beliefs, missing the actual PERSON on the inside--the one Christ died for--the one we're commanded to love. [end of rant]
Hey Matt, that was no rant....It was perfect. May I quote you? Those are good words.
please feel free to quote whatever you like--here or on my personal blog. =)
I find myself endlessly debating with myself and others. I hate it. I dont all out engage in them verbally but the debates are there mentally. It gets tiring and I feel like I am so far off while doing it. I guess in part I dont deal well with people telling me my beliefs are wrong. yet again I do it mentally to others all the time. When in truth I am not that clear on my beliefs to be telling someone elses they are innacurate.
I would very much like to be in a place where I can apriciate our different view points and see their inherint value, or damage as the case may be. As it is now I feel like I always want to battle it out, to be the one that is more on top of it. Even if I did win I would feel bad.
Really like what Matt had to say. Seems right on to me
One last thought that just popped into my mind. The point of having beliefs is to bring us into a deeper relationship with God. We must believe in God's infinite kindness in order to know God's infinite kindness. In order to recieve God's infinite kindness. We must believe in some small way at least. Or maybe we come across it another way. anyway my point is if our beliefs are to serve as tools to bring us closer to God then what is the aim in using them to argue with. I am sure there are healthy forms of debate but I am refearing here to the ones that cut us off from eachother. That errupt into anger etc.
good thoughts, benjamin.
Did the guy debate with you on eternal security?
yup, but that wasn't so much the point. what really stuck with me wasn't his position; it was the feeling of self-righteous indignation that welled up in me... the pride tht i felt. i didn't like it.
Post a Comment