Wednesday; March 25
When I was a child, I
learned there were a few things you didn’t discuss with people – especially
those you didn’t know. You didn’t ask
someone how old they were, nor did you ask them about any sort of malady or
sickness they had. Politics were often
off limits, and the discussion of religion was often viewed as taboo. Honestly, sometimes I wonder if we shouldn’t
adhere to those rules in the 21st Century; but I want to focus on
one in particular – discussing religion.
Now, you might find it odd that I would dissuade the discussion of religion
– I mean, isn’t that my business? While
that is true, I believe any religious discussion should come with a caveat – it
needs to be done with the best of intentions.
There are plenty of good reasons to discuss spiritual concepts; but
there are also some that aren’t noble.
If we set out to prove someone wrong or to try to trip them up in what
they believe, I think we have taken the goodwill out of the discussion. When we set out to make someone sound foolish
for what they believe, I think we have crossed the line! If we are genuinely concerned about others and
value their opinion and their spiritual state, a religious discussion can be
positive, but if we are mean and nasty, we are apt to do more harm than good.
The Apostle Peter seems to approach this topic when he observes, “… but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence …” (I Peter 3:15). Before we launch into a discussion of beliefs, let’s consider the question, “Why?”. Let’s remember, a pure doctrine needs to be presented with a pure heart.
Think About It!