After class, one of my students took a seat just behind me as I continued reviewing the portfolios of my colleagues. He, like the other 30 plus students, had taken their tests and placed it on the desk in front of me. But unlike the other students, who quietly left, this young man stayed behind. After some time, I finally acknowledged his presence and I asked him what more could I do for him? I thought he wanted to discuss his grades or ask a question about the test. To my delight, he responded by saying, “I want to ask you a question about the Bible.”
At first, he began by voicing a concern rather than asking a question. He said that he and a group of his friends had stayed up most of the night discussing the Bible, arguing over its validity, and questioning certain aspects of scripture.
The young man went on to tell me that much was discussed as opinions were tossed back and forth. But more importantly, he said he wanted to know what to do when people refused to believe, refused to accept the truth of God’s word, and are just stubborn and close minded to truth?
I told him there is not very much you can do. Just simply do as Jesus did and that is to lay the truth out there and leave the rest up to God. Furthermore, I stressed that just because you’ve stayed up the better part of the night discussing God’s Word and trying to convince others about what God has clearly said in His Word is no indication that you have spent your time wisely.
Some people, young and old alike, student or non-student, are not seeking “knowledge and understanding.” Many people attempt to justify their disinterest in the Bible and their ungodly way of life, and they do so by challenging your interest and position.
Often times, this is done by luring you into unfruitful and endless discussions that go nowhere. So my advice to the student was as Paul’s to young Timothy, “Don’t waste your time” (1 Timothy 1:4).
The student seemingly found my comments rather surprising. But, I went on to explain that it is true “silence is golden” when properly employed. You can speak volumes without speaking. Solomon recommends that there is “a time to be silent and a time to speak,” (Eccl. 3:7) and in order to know what is best, be led by the Holy Spirit. Lengthy discussions are not clear indicators that others are convinced of what has been said.
It is our duty as Christians to share the Word with others. But, we must always do so in accordance with the Spirit. He will give us discernment that will enable us to know when to move on, when to shut up, when to continue hammering home the Word to others. It is only when we allow the Spirit to operate through us, and speak to us, that we will know exactly how to respond to others.
Finally, I cited two scriptures to my inquisitive student that I have clung to through the years. The first is found in Proverbs and the other in Matthew. Of course there are many others; however, in Proverbs we are told that words are ineffective when spoken to a fool. In other words, “a word of wisdom is wasted on a fool.” More specifically scripture states, “Do not speak to a fool, for he will scorn the wisdom of your words” (23:9 NIV). The Word of God pulls no punches and at times it can be brutally honest. Talking all night to the fool-hearted about the Word of God, according to the Word of God is a waste.
The second passage was spoken by Jesus. And He simply says, “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast your pearls before swine” (Matthew 7:6). Here, Jesus makes it plain that the high and holy things of God should not be taken lightly. Jesus declared that there are those who do not take seriously the Word of God, the pearl of great price, and no matter how late at night you stay up trying to convince them, like swine they will trample what you have said under their feet.
My advice is always be led by the Holy Spirit whenever a discussion about the Bible ensues. The Spirit will give you discernment. If you are to speak, He will tell you what to say. If you are to speak, He will tell you how long. If you are to speak, He will even reveal to whom.
On the other hand, He may also say, “Don’t waste your time.