2 Timothy 2:23-26,  “But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.  And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.”

As difficult as it may be, some days, in this crazy day we live in, where ignorance, anger, rebellion, slander, lies, hatefulness, witchcraft, and behavior that is ungodly and straight from the enemy is rampant, we are called to be like Him!  We need to live our lives in a way that reflects Him!  We must stand for what is right, and we must do it in a way that sets us apart from the way the world does it.  This is why God has given us His Spirit within us so we can overflow with the fruit of His Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, self-control.”  People don’t need more anger coming at them; they can see it everywhere they turn.  They need to see Him, and the only way that will happen is if we allow His Spirit to control our actions.  We have all had moments when we would love to speak our minds, but giving someone a piece of our mind isn’t going to draw them to God. It will just provoke more anger.  Anger begets anger.  Have you ever watched someone who is angry start swearing, and the more angry words there are that come out of their mouth, the angrier they appear to get?  These verses are telling us, “Don’t get wrapped up in that.”  They are also saying to avoid needless arguments on purpose.  Speak truth, and if it isn’t received, then as difficult as it may seem, walk away from the conversation, change the subject, whatever it takes, but don’t lose your self-control. Keep in mind that we aren’t all going to agree all of the time. A simple rule to keep in mind is: How would you feel if someone were to say to you what you are about to say to someone else? And, Rule #1: Run those words past God before speaking.

In all we do, we must keep in mind what is important.  We must keep the main goal, the main goal, and that is to be His hands and feet so others will come to Him and accept Him as their Savior.  Satan is after everyone he can possibly trap, using whatever he can to ensnare them.  We must fight for them by being who God created us to be.  Instead of getting angry that they are so far from God, ask God to burden your heart for them and to give you the compassion and heart that He has for them.  

We all have the opportunity to be a light in a dark, dark world. Let’s strive to show others Jesus!  Let’s set our hearts and minds to show His love, and to become all He created us to be, so other people are drawn to Him!