The more I watch the news on TV or read the reports on the internet, the more I see Satan hard at work in this world.  Even as Christians, we can very easily get pulled into this quagmire of worldly living.  It seems more and more this country, this world, is being divided by individualism.  I am not saying we should all be lemmings devoid of personality, but we cannot all have different ideals and think they are all the correct ideals for a utopic society.  The thought is that we should be accepting of all ideas.  If we aren’t, then we are considered intolerant.  This is where we, as Christian; can get offended easily and have our outburst of anger and strife because of those that disagree with God or His Word.  We feel we have to defend God.  Do you realize how absurd that statement sounds?  We have to defend God.  I’m fairly sure He can take care of Himself. 

The truth is we get easily offended when someone questions what we believe in just as others get offended when we question what they believe in outside of God and His plan for our lives.  As Christians we know what God’s Word says about godly living.  We should be leading by example, not trying to berate someone with the Word of God, telling others how you to live, especially if we are not doing it ourselves.  We have to avoid a situation where we are easily offended and understand there are some that live outside the parameters of God’s will.

Paul’s first letter to Timothy tells us of the false teachers in those days that would love nothing more than to get believers in a heated debate. 

1 Timothy 6:3-5 (NASB)

³ If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, ⁴ he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, ₅ and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.

As Christians, we must be ready to give an answer for the hope that we have, as Peter tells us in 1 Peter 3:15, but he also adds that we must do so in gentleness and reverence.  Some just want to get into a debate with us and get us fired up, thus proving God is not in us, but only hate. 

Proverbs 20:3 (NASB)

³ Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, but any fool will quarrel.

So, as Christians, let us not be drawn into arguments over our beliefs verses the beliefs of others.  But in gentleness and reverence, talk with them as you would want them to talk with you.  If they are just there for an argument walk away.  You are only going to prove their point if you join in.  Don’t be part of the problem.  Be part of the solution, showing them the same love and forgiveness the Lord has shown you.