It takes no skill to get into arguments. Any idiot can bicker, fight argue and quarrel. This is the domain of fools. To avoid these or end them once they’ve begun, this takes wisdom, courage, self-control and uprightness. It is sad to see how many who bear the name of Christian are noted almost exclusively for their ability to enter into one conflict after another. They seem to be on endless crusades against others. Oh that we would expend the same energy fighting our own sinfulness.

Heavenly Father, make it so in my life.

Seeking debate is not an honorable pursuit. Preach the Gospel? Yes. Whenever and wherever we can. But deliberately go seeking debate? No. Jesus went about preaching, not looking for debates. When issues were brought to Him, He did not dodge them. But He didn’t try to be an agitator either.

The weapons of our war are spiritual, not carnal. And it is in preaching the truth and the Gospel of Christ that we best “destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God.” Logic is good and right. God is rational and rational thought is honoring to Him. But the soul is not argued into Christ’s Kingdom – it is instead the power of the Gospel in producing faith by the Spirit that does so.

I fear many today have given up on the simple Gospel as though it is not sufficient to meet the need of the day. Preaching Christ and Him crucified, proclaiming the Gospel – this is God’s appointed means. We cannot improve upon it.

Yes, we are to give an answer to everyone who asks for the reason behind the hope in which we live. Rationally and soundly. But our best tactic is not to curse the darkness. You cannot end darkness by denouncing it as dark. You can only bring light instead. And Christ alone is the Light of the World. Preach Christ!