Reason to Reason

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. James 3:17

 

Changing our thinking is hard. Often, it is a drawn-out process. We have to become convinced, persuaded by good reasoning, that it is worth changing a stance, especially if others will notice.

Generally speaking, the people we care about know what we think. For some of us, when we become Christians, family and friends have a difficult time adjusting to the changes in our thinking. Most of us change our behaviors, too, so others no longer know what to expect.

When big changes like this happen, some people get angry. Some walk away, some stay to make sure we know what they think we have gotten wrong. Some real demonstrations of the power of the Holy Spirit are evident in Christians who stand up for what is right, and against those who are still living in rebellion against God’s Word.

I am slowly being convinced that, as Christians, we have been too comfortable, quiet, and complacent, for far too long. I am seeing that the reason we have so few new Christians in our nation is because most of us (and I am guilty) are sitting at home, facing some electronic device, protecting ourselves from any confrontation in which we choose not to participate.

We are also seeing respect for Biblical Law dying in our nation (or already dead to many) as we say little or nothing at all.

We are not out changing the world for Christ as we are called to do.

Consider this verse:  A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust. Proverbs 21:22

This verse is all about changing the culture of a city, taking down the things that people (especially the powerful and influential) are trusting in for their power and security. These “strongholds” are idols these people trust in.

So many idols exist today in our nation.  We see people put their faith in our state, in our form of government, in a certain political figure or party, our public schools, or education in general.  And, some have more faith in their human pastor than they do in Christ.

In his commentary on this verse, Matthew Henry says, “A wise man will gain upon the affections of people and conquer them by strength of reason, which is a more noble conquest than that obtained by strength of arms. Those that understand their interest will willingly submit themselves to a wise and good man, and the strongest walls shall not hold out against him.”

Are you and I willing to “scale the city of the mighty,” to work at bringing down these strongholds in our cities (or our families and churches), to speak up and reason with others about what the scriptures say, so they “understand their interest” and change their stance on the Word of God?