Rules for Discussion

I read a blog this morning that talked about having a "Christ-like" argument. (http://jollyblogger.typepad.com/jollyblogger/2006/01/some_thoughts_o.html) The author had some great suggestions and I wanted to pass a few of them on.

First of all, I'd rather use the term discussion that argument. I know Christ had occasional harsh words with some of his critics, especially with those caught up with their own self righteousness. But He is and was and will always be God. I am not. I'm not in a position to judge the heart of another. So I'd rather keep from the hostility that the word argument portrays.

Secondly, the reason this particular blog caught my eye is because of my own tendency to get into "discussions." I didn't go searching for this, but I consider it providential that God put it in my reading this morning. So this blog is primarily written for me.

Thirdly, some of this is taken from the Jolly Blogger mentioned above (and found through the Best of God-blogs linked in the column at your right) and some of it is my own. Anything stupid or in error...assume to be mine.

Rules for Discussion:

1. Remember who you are debating
We are all made in the image of God, whether we name the name of Christ or not. Treat each person with dignity.

2. Remember your relationship when debating a fellow Christian
These are your brothers and sisters with whom you'll be spending eternity. Treat them gently with that end in mind.

3. Remember who you are
Paul has nothing over me. I am chief of sinners. It's only by the God's grace and unknowable wisdom that He chooses to use me for anything. I really can't be too hard on anyone; even if I try to hide the ugly parts of me, God and I both know they're there. I love that He's changing me into the likeness of His Son. But He's not done with me yet because I had and still have a lot of areas that needed work.

4. Remember how little you really know
I think this is especially important. I Cor. 13:12 tells us that now I know in part, then I shall know fully. I read God's Word and I pray for both wisdom and guidance. The Bible is God's infallible Word, but I am a fallible creature. I may be convinced that my view is correct. But I need to be open to the possibility that in my fallibility, I may be wrong. Not the Word...me.

5. Assume the best of the person you're debating with
How many times have we assigned motives to a person, that may or may not be there? We often respond to people based on their hidden motives. But as the Jolly Blogger says, "to speculate on the motives arrogates to oneself a prerogative which belongs only to God Himself."

6. Choose your battles
Every word spoken doesn't need to be debated. We disagree on all kinds of things. Some of them truly do not matter.

7. Season your words with grace
This should be a goal whenever we speak, whether it's for a word of encouragement, a word of admonishment, or for a discussion.

So now that I've blogged the list, I'm copying it to serve as a bookmark in my Bible. Hopefully, I'll remember to glance over it next time I start to open my mouth.