For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. - Hebrews 4: 12 (ESV)
The Word of God is a double edged sword not a billy club. The Holy Spirit does the convicting; not us. Correct gently, in kindness. Our message will be heard better when it is not screamed at someone.
Why? Why does God so specifically outline for us how to behave in controversial issues? The answer is found in the remaining portion of the key verses. We can so easily forget that the goal is not to win the argument. The goal is not seem superior to others. The goal is that we can lead someone to the knowledge of truth through their repentance. That they may come to their senses beloved before it is too late and before they lead anyone else astray. It is so easy to forget that they have been ensnared by the devil to do his will. It matters not if they do not realize it. Some of the hardest delusion to break through is when the person feels they are grounded in the Word when they are not. The Bible speaks to this directly:
but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! - Matthew 6: 23 (ESV)
Indeed. Often times when we are dealing with foolish and ignorant positions what we fail to recognize is that the person who is enveloped in darkness actually has convinced themselves it is light! Telling them they are in darkness is not going to make the real light suddenly come on. The only thing that can break the yoke of blindness and has the words of eternal life is the Word of God! But as always we must remember that these truths are to be wielded in lovingkindness and delivered with gentleness. We must teach in a spirit of patience and a not have a quarreling nature if we are to ever expect someone to see the glorious light of the Gospel truth.
I write these things in utter shame and humility because I know I fail Him so often in this area. No one is ever going to be beaten up into the kingdom. They are not going to be forced into the kingdom. We cannot compel people to believe the truth. The Bible says that some simply refuse to hear the truth and choose unrighteousness. Thus they are sent a strong delusion. We can speak truth in love to the delusion but we cannot argue our way into removing it. The people watching or listening need to see Christ in action. Uncompromised truth who understands the eternal destination of the souls of men hang in the balance. The black and white definitive nature of absolute truth does not mean we get to shove it down the throats of those who do not want to hear it. We present the truth so the foolish argument is countered, let God be God, and then walk away. Having nothing to do with foolish and ignorant controversies which will only lead to destructive quarrels. Message received Father.
Reverend Anthony Wade - July 21, 2014