Don't damage the kingdom

There was a time in the not too distant past where I found myself wanting to zealously defend the truth of Jesus without regard to how I came across.  I would argue and even be pushy with what I believed.  With the introduction of internet message boards it became all the more easy to engage those whose opinions differed from mine, all from behind the safety and anonymity of a keyboard.

Over the years I've realized not just the futility of engaging others in that way but also the damage that can be done to God's kingdom.  Just because I may never see the one whom I am engaging in person doesn't mean that there isn't a bitter taste left in their mouth after I am less than gracious.  If my desire is to share the truth of the gospel anywhere and everywhere that I can, then if I sow seeds of bitterness and discontent I am not leading that person to the cross of Christ.

I recently discovered a topic on a message board that surrounded a certain spiritual book that is considered somewhat controversial.  Conservative theologians have discounted the theology of the book as unbiblical while liberal theologians have embraced its message.  As one would guess, there were sharp lines drawn on this message board straight down the middle of conservative and liberal theological perspectives.  I chose not to read a whole lot of what was written but what I did read was divisive and argumentative.  Those who shared the perspective that I espouse were less than gracious with those who didn't.  I saw myself from several years ago in their messages and it truly bothered me.

2 Timothy 2:15-16 gives to us sobering words about how we are to address those who embrace different beliefs from us as believers: "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn't need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth. But avoid irreverent, empty speech, for this will produce an even greater measure of godlessness."  We are to defend our faith and stand up for the truth of God.  We are to be defenders of God's truth and this should never, ever be compromised.  Yet the words here are very clear as to the manner and method with which we defend God's truth.  If we argue, badger, even demean those who believe differently from us then we are producing "an even greater measure of godlessness."

It is never a bad time to defend God's truth.  But the place in which we do so must be carefully chosen.  Launching attacks on internet message boards or engaging in shouting matches in public forums will do nothing but bring shame to the kingdom of God.  I want nothing more than the skeptic to see the glory and majesty of God in the gospel of Jesus.  But I also want to avoid coming across as arrogant, missing the chance to extend personal grace at the expense of God's grace going unrealized.