When I thought of this question my mind went immediately to my mother-in-law. Margaret was a woman who did not have a problem expressing her views. She was someone who recognized that some people are driven by a stubbornness that just does not make it easy for them to see a counter viewpoint. She was quick to say, “They have a mind of there own!” Not an expression that we hear much these days, but to her generation it was clearly spoken often, and with a seemingly negative connotation.
I am not a person who is timid about raising the question, “Why are we doing, what we are doing?” My perspective is that it is good to be open to new ideas, and to appreciate the fact that we all bring something of ourselves to the table. Arguing for the sake of arguing is not productive, but a discussion that debates why we believe what we believe is profitable.
We have all come across the temperament of the individual that will not be moved off of what they believe, even when what has been presented to them is sound and good. Although it is often difficult navigating through this personality, it does have its merit. It requires us to be broad and deep in our knowledge in order to make a good defense.
To me this is the essence of stirring the pot, but with a clear purpose in mind. We want to provoke discussion that will get to the root of truth. If we have an opportunity to speak life into a dying situation, then we may need to put ourselves out there, be a bit vulnerable, and be willing to take some knocks if it means we can deliver God’s Word.
2 Samuel 22:40 CSB You have clothed me with strength for battle; You subdued my adversaries beneath me.