It Takes Two

 

You may have heard the old saying "It takes two to Tango", which delivers the point that just as it is impossible to tango without a partner, it is just as impossible to get into an argument without a willing partner. We won't always agree with everyone's point of view, but in our time together today, I'd like to suggest that even when our perspectives disagree, there is a path available that seems uncommon in the world we live today. 

 

Biblical truths are not ours to pick and choose, but how we approach situations is completely up to us. We have some advice to follow provided by the Apostle Paul. The church in Corinth struggled against the worldly culture of the day and Paul had to basically "coach'em up" on a wide range of topics on how to live life as a new Christian, ranging from what was okay to eat, who it was okay to marry, all the way down to not arguing and bickering with others. "Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels, and the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful." II Timothy 2:23-24. Basically, if we desire to be God's light in a dark world, then what good will be produced by us arguing and quarreling? Getting into an argument means that two people both believe they are correct in their stance. Arguing establishes that you believe you are right and you may even have the proof to support your stance, but it is safe to assume that the person on the other side also believes they are correct and most likely they have some supporting evidence for their conviction. Who's right? Who cares? We are not the judge and we are not the jury. If it feels wrong to you then stay away from it. Other than being able to say, I was right, what gain is there in winning an argument? 

 

Whatever happened to the idea of "we will just have to agree to disagree" as an acceptable way of nullifying an argument? Paul spent a whole chapter in the Book of Romans explaining that there isn't anything to gain by arguing with someone. "Therefore, let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister" Romans 14:13. We may disagree, and we may have our facts to back us up, but at the end of the day, it is God who will be doing the judging, don't attempt to take His job. (Romans 14:10-11). Am I suggesting that we be acceptable to an "anything goes" mentality? Absolutely not. 

 

Arguing about who is right and who is wrong, may win a battle here and there, but the war will wage on. The real battle is not "who" is right or wrong, but instead it is the battle between right and wrong, good and evil, Godly or worldly. To win the war we must be willing to live out right and allow the world to see God living in us and through us. If we enter a discussion with a mindset of I'm right and you're wrong the outcome will most likely be one that creates a barrier between you and the other person. How can we ever expect to share God's message of forgiveness and acceptance in a world of judgement and dissent? If our hope is to make a difference in this world who is it that we hope to make a difference with? The people that think and act just like you? Not a hard assignment if that is your goal. Instead, our goal is to reach those that need to hear about the God we serve and the unconditional love He offers each of us. 

 

Tough choices require more effort than the simple. Arguing is simple, one opinion plus one opinion equals two differing opinions, thus you can easily have an argument. The challenging thing to do is take two different opinions and try to look at the other person's opinion from their point of view. Empathy, sacrifice, and perspective will serve you well if you allow them. The next time you feel that a disagreement is headed your way, remember it takes two to tango and it takes two to argue, be the bigger one and choose the path less traveled. 

Coach Carter