Compromising Counsel

Can you compromise what you believe to be true and necessary counsel when asked to address a group of people who do not share your convictions? They share your conviction of care and concern, as well as a desire to do what is right and true. Their commitment to social concerns deserves respect, however, your truth and theirs are ever so far apart. Do you then consider minimizing your values for the common good, so that your values when shared will not offend nor compromise the common project?

How will you contribute to discussions and presentations from a Christian perspective when others addressing the same topic will base their statements on worldly philosophy and human rights issues? Your statements cannot support theirs.

Recently this has become an issue I need to address. What do I say to honor God when called on to comment on social issues? My plan of action and recommendation is:

1. Do your homework. Read up on all opinions on the topic – ones you agree with and those you do not. Know the position others will take in the presentation.

2. What does the Bible say about the issues you are called to comment on? Can you connect Biblical wisdom to the problems needing attention?

3. Consider all the possible questions you may be asked – how will you respond?

4. How can you present Biblical wisdom and counsel without saying, ‘this is what the Bible says’?

5. If you need to say ‘this is what the Bible says’ – for what purpose would you say this?

6. Would you make Biblical statements form a position of superiority, to finalize an argument, or in humility?

7. Pick your position, and find many application examples to explain what you believe. It can be a Biblical principle, or a verse without citing a reference.

8. Do not belittle their position, but be prepared to provide an answer should you be asked to do so.

9. Answer with compassion, care and sincerity.

10. If asked for your source, cite it with confidence and humility.

11. Cite it with patience, forbearance and grace. Be merciful.

12. Smile. Do not be smug!

• I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths (2 Timothy 4:1-4).

• Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers (1 Timothy 4:15-16).

• Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity (1 Timothy 4:12).

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