Winning Arguments or Winning People
The competitive society we live in has penetrated most aspects of our lives, especially for those of us who are type A personalities. When my wife told me that was my personality type, I said, “You say that like it’s a bad thing.” It’s true, this type can be aggressive, even combative at times. But we’re also the ones who get ‘er done. As a result, today’s reminder is specifically for me and all you Type As out there.
I’m assuming most in my audience are following Jesus and want to become more like Him the longer we live. Though Jesus never shied away from the truth, He was never combative. He did get a little aggressive when He defended the temple by chasing the money changers, but in His speaking to people, He was always compassionate, kind, and patient. Peter comes to mind as an example that would try anybody’s patience. But time and time again, Jesus’ love for Peter overshadowed all the negative.
As our role model,
Jesus left the perfect role to model in everything we do, but especially when we’re sharing the gospel with others. We must be the epitome of love combined with truth and clarity. Not many will respond to arrogance and pride which says things like, “Why are you being so thick-headed. Listen to me.” Or “I’ve been to Bible School or Seminary and I know the truth.” Or “How could you believe something so lame?”
1 Pet. 3:15 Tells us, “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.” That’s our goal. And how are we to be ‘ready’? Second Timothy has the answer in 2:15 “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.”
A huge part of our responsibility
as believers in Jesus Christ is to know the Word through reading, memorizing, studying, and most importantly, living it. So that when others look at our lives, they don’t see us. They see Jesus living in us and, hopefully, are drawn to Him.
Today’s world is full of fake teaching by agents of Satan, many of whom man pulpits. We are to be like the Bereans (Acts 17:11) who studied the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul was preaching was correct. And that’s what we should do if we don’t want to be deceived by glitter, smooth delivery, or things not found in the Bible.
Remember, it’s not our oratory ability
that convinces others to turn to Jesus. It’s the prompting of the Holy Spirit. True, he will use the truth about Jesus that we speak, but we’re not responsible for whether or not they make a commitment to Christ. And therein is our opportunity. We must know the truth if we’re to speak the truth. A Bible that sits on a shelf is like an unloaded gun when the burglar breaks in.
As a refresher, 2 Tim. 4:2 tells us, “…be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.” Great patience and instruction. This is the byproduct of a genuine love for the lost. We are to be a sweet aroma not smelly old sock. When sharing what Christ has done for you, remember, we’re not trying to win an argument.