Monday, September 25th, 2017

Over the weekend, a stir developed between President Trump and the NFL over the choice of some players to kneel during the national anthem. This debate has endured for over a year now, with both sides firmly believing they are the ones espousing virtue and honor, while simultaneously disregarding the same on the other side. Our nation is founded on many ideals, one of the most basic being the freedom of speech. With such a freedom, what we say becomes uniquely our own because we do not need permission to say it. However, the flip side of that coin is that we must also embrace the consequences of our words. As Christians, we are called to be the peacemakers of the earth, not quarrelsome or indignant in our self-righteousness. In 2 Timothy, it says, "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." Does this mean we should keep our opinions to ourselves? Of course not. We are called to let our lights shine in the name of Jesus! However, as Christians, we are not called to be among the angry mobs. Our words must build others up, join people together, and calm heated debate. God doesn't want to hear your roar, He wants to see you soar. Today, focus your attention and words on what will bring peace to those around you rather than picking a side from which to divide further.

"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." 2 Timothy 2: 23-24 NIV