Arguments have their roots in pride and are calculated to prove intellectual superiority, but they lack power. I have personally won arguments against those enslaved to drugs and alcohol, but they went away still slaves. I have won many arguments concerning marriage, but those couples, too, went away to visit the lawyer. I have won countless arguments with philosophers, psychologists, evolutionists, atheists, and cult leaders. They all went away to worship the image they were seeing in the mirror. Jesus divided His dialogue with men into two categories: argument and ministry. Argument He usually avoided. Some came requesting food or power, not ministry, and from those He withdrew. Some sought to draw Him into a melee, and we find Him quietly drawing in the sand rather than heatedly presenting His point. Why? His response would have only fueled more debate with those who had a vested interest in not moving at all from their position. Jesus came to minister. If by His own Holy Spirit He was made aware that ministry was not possible, Jesus simply withdrew or refused to speak. As an Indian friend says, “The refusals of Jesus define Him!” For we do, in fact, know more about Him from His refusals than from His accomplishments. He refused the best seats, refused to make a loud noise proclaiming Himself, He refused to hurt the one who was hurting, He refused to minister spiritual truth in the power of the flesh, He refused to defend Himself, and He refused to condemn the woman caught in adultery. Like Jesus, we must have a goal of ministry, not dialogue. When we begin to talk to our child, friend, co-worker, or pastor and realize we are standing there alone, without the power and witness of the Spirit, it is time to be quiet and draw in the dirt. If He is not ministering, then neither should we. remember, the issue is not who listens to us, but whether we are listening to Him.
- Mike Wells
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