Discussion is always better than argument because argument is to find
“who is right” and discussion is to find “what is right.”
(origin unknown)
As writers who work from a Christian worldview, we need to know what we believe, and to communicate those truths clearly. It’s a huge responsibility. We must be accurate and insightful, led by God’s Spirit.
However, I see a trend coming in. Again. I know it’s as old as time but it concerns me nonetheless. We are being distracted from the main truths of our faith by those who incite arguments about the details. The small things. The insidious whispers that interrupt and infiltrate our lives and our work.
I have experienced some of this distraction in my own life, and it is always about “who is right.” By wasting time and energy, and creating alienation, we can be led away from communicating the important tenets of faith.
I suggest we need to focus on the basics, the core of Scripture, the heart of the Gospel. One concise statement of faith is the Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
If we enjoy discussion on details beyond this succinct statement, that’s fine. But let’s not be distracted from the work God has given us to do by those who prefer arguments.
“Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels” II Timothy 2:23.
“But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless” Titus 3:9.
And, let’s pray for a heart of love, which helps us to understand others, withstand temptation, and stand strong in every area of our lives.
Well said, Janice. We can become distracted by minor details. The Apostles’ Creed cuts right to the core of the matter. Thanks for taking the time to flush out a FB meme in truthful theological terms.
Thanks, Sharon. I discovered this creed when I first became involved with The Word Guild, and I think it’s a great basis to faith in both our writing and our relationships.