To Debate or not to Debate that is the Question!?

Debating can be fun, it can be challenging, and it can be very destructive! Debating in a controlled environment can prove to be enlightening, on the other hand debating in an uncontrolled setting can be disastrous. Let me explain. When you have two sides debating the scriptures or processing between friends without an audience at least for the majority of the time you leave with possible differences but you can agree to disagree in grace. However, if you have an open forum, inviting multiple individuals in such as on lets just say.... facebook.... we open the doors for the enemy to use it against us.

If we open an opportunity to debate amongst ourselves in front of unbelievers, or those seeking quite honestly it displays a lack of self control and division among the body of Christ. The unbeliever will pick up on the disunity instantly. Why would we pin ourselves against one another on such a forum when the scriptures are clear for us to be like-minded of one accord, unified in the spirit of unity for the bond of peace?

I personally LOVE to debate topics, I truly do! I just personally choose not to on an open forum that would invite the enemy to tear down more than build up. There are many appropriate avenues to express our opinions, however, please remember your opinion is just that and it is not God's.

This debate forum "Tell me what you think" is walking a fine line. Too often we end up opening ourselves up to young Christians, Christians in sin, or non believers and they can get heated and great contention can come through our words which stir up strife. There isn't an, agreeing to disagree. They can become adamant and hostile. Leaving others around them to watch or read their comments to shutter at the thought, "Umm and they are Christians?!"

Please reconsider the mindset that we are challenging them to think about something, we are to exhort and encourage, not stir up strive in our desire to emulate Jesus, right!? Does God provoke us with such questions or statements? NO, he says it is by His goodness men are led to repentance. Living out Grace is amazing!

The truth is: God's word stands alone needing no help. Chewing and digesting the word is a personal time for revelation from the Holy Spirit, not man. Again this being on an open uncontrolled forum, that concerns me. One on one processing the scriptures or asking questions for edifying sake, but the motive to be confrontational or stir up strive is not wise especially when unbelievers are watching and participating.

The Lord gives us these scriptures that may just help us rationalize what we do an how we do it:

Pr 13:10 ¶ Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised [is] wisdom.

Ro 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Ro 16:17 ¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

2Ti 2:23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. Tit 3:9 ¶ But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

Heb 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Php 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Romans 12:10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Romans 15:5Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: {according to: or, after the example of}
Romans 15:6That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:7Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
1 Peter 3:15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

they will know us by our love.....