One time I had this dream I was riding in a monorail on a subway. I was speeding through the darkness. Looking out the window, I saw two men arguing at the top of their lungs over politics. One was a Democrat and the other was a Republican. Then the dream flashed and I was sitting on a wooden chair. I opened my Bible and it was like a pop-up of two people with the Words of God written over them. They were arguing and yelling at the top of their lungs on what the scriptures meant.
Regardless of what anyone thinks about dreams, this had a pretty profound impact on me. How often is what we say and do as Christians like that of the world? I can hardly stand politics, so I am thinking if I was an unbeliever, if I saw Christians arguing like that over the Bible, I would be putting it down. This is what unbelievers see quite often though. An average trip to a Christian forum shows a plethora of beliefs and debate. Christians are divided in pretty much everything. It isn't the differences in beliefs as much as it is the attitude toward one another that is bothersome. Christians tear other Christians apart about things that matter little from an eternal perspective.
Romans 12:2 says, "And do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you will be able to prove what the will of God is, that which is good, and acceptable, and perfect." Presenting our bodies as a living and Holy sacrifice is what matters in regards to eternity. What fruits of the spirit shine in your life? What spiritual gifts does Romans 12 talk about that you are using for the kingdom of God? The transformation that people see in believers is what will matter in the long run. Living by God's Word is what will speak louder then words.
Then there is 1 Peter 3:15- "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..." As Christians, should we be able to defend what we believe? Yes. But with our transformed minds and embolden spirits, do we need to backbite, gossip, and explain the why in a demeaning way? Not according to 1 Peter 3:15. Sometimes it may be as Jesus had to do, flipping over tables in the temple, but by no means are we to look like the world. The difference is Jesus finished it. Actions speak louder then words. Christians need to shut up and get up. I say that with all gentleness and respect, to myself as well.
I leave with this thought, 1 John 1:7 in Amplified: "but if we [really] walk in the Light [that is, live each and every day in conformity with the precepts of God], as He Himself is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another [He with us, and we with Him], and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin [by erasing the stain of sin, keeping us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations]." Walking in the precepts of God is the best way to prove the will of God. Whatever is going on in the world, the answer is still growing closer to God and growing in understanding of His Word. Present the Truth in love, church! Don't look like the world or be distracted by it!