CULTURE WAR SERIES PART 13: Wisely Defending Your Values Part III

Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. ¹²For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say Luke 12:11-12 (NKJV)

In our timely culture war series, we have been exploring how to respond in a wise manner while simultaneously standing up for what we believe. So far, we have learned the importance of being spiritually strong, treat the opposition as friends rather than adversaries, project confidence and strength, and to keep calm at all times. We now continue to learn some other traits that can help us respond more effectively.

Avoid being defensive: If a smattering or barrage of insults are hurled your way - for example, ‘bigot,’ ‘hater,’ ‘sexist,’ ‘racist,’ ‘homophobe,’ ‘islamophobe’ are some of the current terms on offer - do not go on the defensive. This will be interpreted as going on the back foot and even weakness. No need to say things like ‘No, I’m no homophobe. I have gay friends’ - such statements will get you no where.

You would be better off going on the offensive. In football, failure to do so means no points and losing the game. If, and only if wisdom decrees you respond, then ‘go for it.’ Your sensible words, calm demeanour, and steely determination, will take you far and you will prevail. Don’t worry about vindication or being proven right - just fight the good fight of faith. God will do the rest.

Issues: Do your best to stay focused on the issues, not on your (screeching) opponent. Frame the topic on something highly valued and worth defending, like faith, freedom, and/or family.

If some argues that you are against the valued notion of ‘social justice,’ your response could be:

For me, social justice means supporting struggling families, caring for our courageous veterans, seeking justice for people being persecuted for their religious beliefs and conscience. Justice means protecting the unborn so they can have a right to life and liberty like everyone else.’

Such words are hard to refute, though there are no guarantees that your opponent won’t degenerate into a triggered tantrum. No matter what, keep calm and solder on.

Be prepared: Above all, be prepared factually, mentally and spiritually. You want to be truthful and accurate, because anything less will undermine your argument and discredit your Christian witness. You will have immediate access to wise answers and, in some cases, the words will deposited into your mouth at that moment (see verses above).

Stay on track: Don’t allow the opponent to get off track or sidle. Stick to the issue - make them answer your questions.

Word wise: Watch your words and body language. Both are potent tools of communication.

Inconsistencies: It won’t take long to identify inconsistencies in your opponent’s arguments. When discovered, hammer the point. For example, a high-profile politician spoke about his deep and sincere concern for taking up the cause of protecting the ‘poor and marginalised.’ Yet this same individual, in the same breathe, advocates liberal and late-term abortion. How about being a champion of the unborn, not just the post-natal? To harm one segment of society is to harm all.

Remember, we are not looking for a fight but if we are challenged on our views, be prepared to defend them. That’s what this, and other articles, are about.

TO BE CONTINUED.