Daily Thought for Tuesday, April 12th

April 12, 2011

The Art of Arguing

“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”

– The Bible (Colossians 3:13)

Today’s Thought:

”It is not necessary to understand things in order to argue about them” – Pierre Agusutin de Beaumarchais

“Anyone who thinks there aren’t two sides to every argument is probably in one.” - Anonymous

Today’s Question

Did you know that, “Arguments provide plenty of heat but little light?” – Unknown

And were you aware that; “The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it?” – Dale Carnegie

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“ There are three sides to every argument: your side, my side, and the truth.”

- (Am American Saying)

“I don’t want to get on a soapbox preaching tolerance, but anything that helps people treat each other with a little more kindness is great.”

- Peter Dinklage

Have you ever noticed how much people seem to like to argue?  Sometimes, for some folks it doesn’t even seem to matter what the subject is: as long as they can be engage in a good ol conflagration or confrontation.

This truth seems to be especially prevalent within the church.  We argue over some of the silliest things. 

How many churches have split over the color of a carpet: or the choice of a hymnbook, or maybe the choice to not use a hymnbook.  You may think I jest, but the numbers would be staggering and sadly shocking.

And we know if you get a room full of preachers together, even if they are the same denomination, they can inadvertently find ample supplies of items to argue over.  If you don’t believe this just attend a conference of ministers and sit on the sidelines and listen.

Someone once said, “When arguing with a stupid person, be sure he isn’t dong the same thing.” – Unknown  I wonder if God feels that way about us when we are carrying on with some of our foolish contentions? 

Robert Quillen said, “Discussion is an exchange of knowledge: argument and exchange of ignorance.”    Sharing and caring should be the order or our Christians interactions not arguing and disagreeing.

There maybe times when an issue does have to be resolved and as Nathaniel Emmons points out, “Any fact is better established by two or three good testimonies than by a thousand arguments.”  The Bible says, “…In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.” (2 Corinthians 13:1(b))

We need to build each other up, love one another and work together to accomplish the work of God’s Kingdom.

Always remember this, “There are usually two sides to every argument but no end,” and “a quarrel is like buttermilk. The longer it stands, the more sour it becomes.” – Anonymous

And this is always true of a quarrel or argument; “When one will not, two cannot quarrel.” – Unknown

Today’s Verses:

He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

                        Proverbs 11:12

The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

Proverbs 17:14 

O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

                        1 Timothy 6:20-21

But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

                        2 Timothy 2:16

Today’s Prayer:

Father, help me to remember it is not so much about whether I am right or wrong, as it is whether I am obedient and faithful.