James 4:1 English Standard Version (ESV) What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?

I see things in black and white, right and wrong. Knowing what is right does not always lead me to do what is right. I like to argue and that is wrong. Sometimes when I know I am right I can be blunt and a little insensitive and that is wrong. This is my known weakness and I must guard against it.

We study and meditate on God’s word and we are asked to relate to one another in our understanding of God’s Word. Clarity is often found in sharing theology. The problem is that we do not all see things exactly the same. Some of us have personal perspectives based on being chastened by our Lord. Some of us rely on our reasoning skills. Some of us are proud of our intellect.

When our opinions are passionate how do we react to opposing thoughts?

One answer can be found in the subject matter itself. Is loss of salvation an issue? Does the argument being presented place anyone’s salvation at risk? If so, then we better agree and get right with what God’s Word says. God’s Word is final and nothing else matters.

We will find ourselves comfortable with how we believe and if we see something else that comfort zone is disturbed. Is it wrong for us to feel uncomfortable? It depends on the issue. One such incident occurred in a church I once attended. A young girl got up and began to dance in the aisles and swayed with unfettered enthusiasm. This made some of the older women in the congregation uncomfortable. Her actions were brought before the elders.

When questioned the young girl quoted 2 Samuel 6:14 English Standard Version (ESV) “And David danced before the Lord with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod.” She asked, “Was David wrong just because his wife didn’t like it?”