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.
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