Must I participate in argument, strife, struggle or fight.  If the purpose were to bring Glory to God’s Name then the answer would most emphatically be, of course.  However, most arguments, struggles or fights are the product of bruised ego and therefore should be avoided.  My flesh wants me to prove that I’m right, begs me to best the next man and demand that they see the light of my august wisdom.   That has nothing to do with the spiritual man, in fact it inhibits my relationship with the Lord.  How can I be communing with the Father in love and humility when I am stubbornly and self-absorbingly focused upon prevailing in a squabble or discussion?

I have decided through consistent prodding by the Holy Spirit that I would rather be accused of being aloof then go down the road of allowing my flesh to gain the control in my walk.  Yes, does this leave some things undone at that moment?  Perhaps, but isn’t it much better philosophy to avoid and wait until there is another less emotionally charged moment to address and issue then it is to remain and potentially damage a relationship or potentially push someone further from a relationship with God.   Yes, rebuke works, God’s Word never returns null and void, it always has purchase.  However, when I am bent upon winning an argument, even one regarding Biblical context, I have found that my delivery is always far from gentle.  Is God directing me to call out a hypocrite or serpent in the flock?  If he is then I should stand my ground because the Holy Spirit will provide the appropriate words for that specific moment.  If not then I ought to avoid giving into my flesh even to the point of flight.

Flight is a mechanism that may save us from disaster.  Look we don’t always have to give into the fight mode of fight or flight.  Sometimes retreat is the best solution, to wait for another day to make your approach or point.  I don’t flee every battle because some are so important spiritually that we must stand our ground armoured in God’s Word to withstand the enemy.  Discernment is the differentiating component in determining which is which.  If you want discernment or wisdom, study Proverbs 2 and follow God’s recipe as he gives wisdom freely to those who seek it.  I am tired of my own flesh, I wish it would finally determine that it died upon that cross two thousand years ago with Christ, but until that time at which point I am freed of its prompting I must struggle to gain self control.  As of this point I choose to “Opt out” of the battles fought for purposes other than to elevate the Name of God or to win back souls for the Kingdom.  Thank you Lord Jesus.