____________________________________________________ THE GOSPEL OBSERVER "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19,20). ____________________________________________________ January 11, 1998 ____________________________________________________ Controversy Anyone? by Doy Moyer Controversy is, basically, a discussion of a question in which opposing positions clash. It comes from the Latin controversus, meaning ``turned in an opposite direction'' (contra, against, and versus, to turn). Though it need not have seriously negative connotations, it often does. People generally do not like to be in a position in which there is opposition. From its onset, the preaching of the gospel has created controversy. Based upon the principle that ``Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive with them'' (Prov. 28:4), early Christians found it impossible to live and teach their new world view without raising the dander of those who would rather live their own ways (cf. John 3:19-20). Jesus faced controversy, and sometimes gave stinging rebukes to those who opposed the truth (Matt. 22-23). The apostles faced it and were the first to endure physical persecution for the cause of Christ (Acts 4-5). Stephen was the first to die for the Lord after he had boldly told those who opposed Christ that they were stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart (Acts 7:51ff). In becoming an apostle, Paul had to learn ``how much he must suffer'' for the sake of Christ (Acts 9:16). His life was characterized by his constant fight against those who opposed the truth. So, it is inevitable. There will be controversy. There will be opposition. There will even be forms of persecution. Further, we are told that it is God's intention that all Christians be armed to defend the faith (Jude 3; 1 Pet. 3:15). Thus, if we face no opposition whatsoever, we need to ask, why not? It's not that we are looking for controversy for its own sake, but that in the course of our teaching the truth, we know that it will be opposed. Some will oppose it verbally; some will go farther and oppose it through physical means. Either way, we should be prepared to deal with it. We know to expect this in our dealings with the world. The ungodly will oppose the truth at the cost of their integrity (cf. Rom. 1:18). What we are often disappointed at, however, is the controversy that hits home among our own brethren. But even this is expected in some degree. We are humans who have a capacity to think and reason. God appeals to our senses and expects us to think things out and think things through. In this process, we will be at various levels of understanding; and different conclusions on passages and topics will be reached. This is to be expected, for each one must do his or her own study, and there is no medium other than the Bible for making any final determinations. So what are we to do? First, we should try to avoid two extremes: 1. Turning everything into a controversy. We have all met people who seem to thrive on controversy. They will contradict you just to start an argument. They might treat every issue as if it is a giant battle to be conquered through hard-nosed debate. Those who don't jump on their bandwagon are considered soft and gutless. While we certainly do not want to compromise truth and righteousness, this attitude can be self-defeating. In the process of trying to save souls, if we do not show love or speak with grace, or if we do not exhibit a gentleness in correcting those in opposition, then we may drive away those whom we want to help (cf. Eph. 4:15; Col. 4:5-6; Gal. 6:1; 2 Tim. 2:25). 2. Avoiding controversy at all costs. On the other hand, there are those who are so repulsed by controversy that they seek to avoid it altogether. They see everyone who gets involved in controversy as mean-spirited and unloving. ``We should just get along and preach Christ.'' ``Can't we all just love each other and go preach to the world?'' Such statements are common. But they are also unrealistic. We all should desire to get along, and we all want to see the world converted to Christ, but there are still passages and issues that each person in each generation must study through. As these are studied, preached on, and written on, there will be those who question and oppose what is taught because they have reached different conclusions. The answer is not to act like this does not exist, but to try to treat the controversy in a balanced and honorable manner. To argue a non-controversial position is itself controversial. It cannot be. In both extremes, we are dealing with attitudes. The key is balance. We know there will be controversy, but we can be honorable and just in dealing with it. We need not be ugly or unkind to firmly defend truth. Debates have their place; but it is up to us as Christians to behave in a manner worthy of the gospel. Second, we should be patient and gracious through our studies. I am thankful that there have been those who patiently endured me (and still are!) while I was working my way through various issues. But it's tempting to be impatient. Once I've reached a conclusion about a passage or issue, then I may think that everyone else should immediately come to the same conclusion, or else they are being dishonest. We should bear in mind that God gives us time to grow; surely we can learn to be patient with each other as we all grow. In our preaching of the word, and in our reproving, rebuking, and exhorting, we need to be patient (2 Tim. 4:2). A lack of patience may indicate pride and arrogance. Third, we should give the benefit of the doubt when we have a disagreement. Perhaps I have misunderstood what someone said. Perhaps I have failed to try to fully understand my opponent's position. I want others to treat me in this manner so that I might have opportunity to explain myself and clarify any misunderstandings. Further, we should give the benefit of the doubt regarding our opponent's heart. We don't serve the truth any when we insult or question a brother's heart. Let God deal with that. Acting out of love demands that we treat one another with respect (1 Cor. 13:4-8). Fourth, we should seek peace and not division. ``If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men'' (Rom. 12:18). Let us ``pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another'' (Rom. 14:19). Some are too quick to divide. They may feel that if there is a disagreement in anything, then they should break off and establish another congregation. They are not seeking peace. While we want to have unity among brethren in all matters, the reality is that not everyone agrees on everything. That means each Christian, based upon conviction from God's word, must make some decisions about what he can and cannot live with in fellowship (keep in mind that this is done locally, not universally). But his attitude must be that of pursuing peace. There are times, of course, when this is not possible (as when one rejects that which is essential, or endorses that which will cause souls to be lost); but division should be the last thing one desires. Fifth, we should listen carefully to the other side. Brethren may argue and divide only to find that they misunderstood each other. This is due to their lack of paying attention and listening to what the other side has to say. They may assume they know the other's position, and might be formulating their answers before the other has finished explaining. This is folly: ``He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him'' (Prov. 18:13). Even if the other's position, when understood, is at odds with ours, we should still listen carefully so that we can address the issue properly, where it needs to be addressed, and can correctly represent it. I don't mind it so much when someone opposes a position I hold as long as it is truthfully represented and honorably discussed. Sixth, we should remember that our goal is to arrive at truth, not win arguments. We are after truth, not notches on a polemic gun-belt. We may be tempted to formulate arguments that are intended to make the other look bad and give us more of an advantage. We might try to argue in ways that are ``cute'' and make fun of the other's position. But these methods of argumentation are wrong. They do not characterize one who is seeking truth, but one who just wants to win a debate. Arguments should be biblical and honest. They should assume that the opponent is also after the truth, and thus designed to draw us all closer to God's will. And if, in the process, we find that we are wrong on a point, then humbly admit that and continue in the quest for truth. Seventh, we should be careful to distinguish our opinions from what is required by God. How many arguments and problems have come from people arguing their opinions instead of going to the Bible to see what God says is necessary and important? I have opinions about a host of issues, but these cannot be turned into vital points upon which all must agree. Romans 14 deals with such issues, and the answer there is to let each one stand before God in such matters. We must not condemn those who do things differently just because we don't like it. God and His word must be the standard as to what is condemned, not my personal likes or dislikes. Righteous judgment requires God's righteous standard. Conclusion While these suggestions do not deal with every aspect of controversy, perhaps they can help us in dealing with it. Controversy is a reality we cannot avoid, so let's learn to cope with it honorably and honestly. In our dealings with others, we must always remember to treat them as we want to be treated (Matt. 7:12), and to treat others as more important than ourselves (Phil. 2:3ff). This should be done even when the other is not acting right toward you. Remember that Christ died for us when we were His enemies (Rom. 5:5-11). Controversy is not so unpleasant when we know the other person loves us and seeks what is best for us. In that case, it gives us further opportunity for study. ``Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another'' (Prov. 27:17). By properly dealing with controversy, we can all become ``sharpened'' in the ways of God. ___________________________________________ MY SIN IS NOT YOUR HOPE by Robert F. Turner ``If that is the way Christians act then I don't want to be a Christian.'' You have likely heard this many times and may have given tacit consent to the thought -- having strong distaste for hypocrisy in religion. There is no denying that followers of Christ should so live as to attract rather than repel; and we make no excuse for those lights who have gone out, or salt that has lost its savor. But one who uses the ``if that is the way...'' excuse, is also ``copping out'' on responsibility. Christianity, in its true sense, is not determined by what any person, high and noble or low and vile, does or says about it. ``The church,'' even in its purest stage, is the product of Christianity, not the mother of it. God has not abdicated His throne, nor Christ His divinely appointed roles. God distributes the ``rule'' (inspired truth) which reaches to all alike (2 Cor. 10:12-14, 4-5). If I mislead someone by my conduct or teaching, I must answer for this in judgment (1 Cor. 3:12-15). But my sin is not his righteousness. He is not released from his obligation to God because I failed to meet my obligations. Or, to put it another way, offenses must come --- sin and injustices will continue so long as this age lasts --but this does not excuse him ``by whom the offense cometh'' (Mat. 18:7). The inevitability of sin in the world does not excuse the sinner. Are we to assume that the one who is disgusted by hypocrites has no need of forgiveness? If he knows what Christianity is NOT, does he know what it IS, and refuses to conform? Or, has he confused a ``good moral life'' with Christianity? True followers of Christ are morally upright, but they know they can not trust in themselves for justification. Freely acknowledging their need for forgiveness, they trust in Jesus Christ for mercy and redemption. One has not learned the real meaning of Christianity until he so learns Christ. And we do not learn Christ by studying the faults of others. We must turn our attention from the disciples and center it upon the Master. -- Via Plain Talk, vol. 16, no. 7, September, 1979 ________________________________________ Tri-State CHURCH OF CHRIST 713 13th Street, Ashland, Kentucky 41101 Sunday: 10:00 A.M. Bible class 10:50 A.M. Worship 6:30 P.M. Worship Wednesday: 7:30 P.M. Bible study evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (606) 325-9742 e-mail: tedwards@zoomnet.net Gospel Observer web site: http://www.zoomnet.net/~tedwards/go ________________________________________