Lesson 1 - Goal: Redeem the Heart

Good Morning!

One more time…

I really do like Reverend Shuler’s ten lessons – so I thought I would expound on them from time to time. So here is number 1: “The goal is not to win a debate but to redeem a heart.”

All of us have been taught that there are two subjects to avoid in a conversation: religion and politics. That rule has been drilled into us so deeply that some of us refuse to discuss either – choosing to keep our faith and our values to ourselves. Well, I don’t agree with the rule – perhaps that makes me a rebel … or perhaps I just have a different take on the subject.

I think it is perfectly all right to state your political values. We should not be afraid to take a stand on important issues that impact all of America – abortion, gay marriage, healthcare, taxes, spending are subjects that impact each of us – and we should have an opinion and not be afraid to state it.

And it is perfectly all right to publically proclaim your faith. America was founded on the principles of freedom OF religion and freedom OF speech. I have as much right to state that I am a believer in Jesus Christ as the atheist has to proclaim his (mistaken) belief that there is no god.

The key to either point is to make your statement in such a manner that those hearing are encouraged to listen rather than to argue. Sometimes that is not easy … sometimes our passion overcomes our ability to reason. We should keep in our mind the admonishment of the Proverbist that states:

Proverbs 15:1-3 (English Standard Version)
1 A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place,
keeping watch on the evil and the good.

Remember our role is to be an ambassador for Jesus Christ to those who do not know Him. Included in that group are people who passionately believe that Christianity is evil – for a number of reasons. And some will never listen to even the soundest of reasoning – but don’t lose every one while winning the debate.

The goal is to redeem a heart.

Agape’


Mr. Jim