Discussions not to be Sought
[
From a personal testimony.
]
Young preachers should avoid discussions, for these do not increase
spirituality or humbleness of mind. In some cases, it may be necessary
to meet a proud boaster against the truth of God in open debate; but
generally these discussions, either oral or written, result in more harm
than good. After a discussion, the greater responsibility rests upon
the minister to keep up the interest. He should beware of the reaction
which is liable to take place after a religious excitement, and not yield
to discouragement....
Generally, the influence of discussions upon our ministers is to
make them self-sufficient, exalted in their own estimation. This is not
all. Those who love to debate are unfitted for being pastors to the flock.
They have trained their minds to meet opponents, and to say sarcastic
things; and they cannot come down to meet hearts that are sorrowing,
and that need to be comforted....
In the presentation of unpopular truth, which involves a heavy
cross, preachers should be careful that every word is as God would
have it. Their words should never cut. They should present the truth
in humility, with the deepest love for souls, and an earnest desire
for their salvation, and let the truth cut.—
Testimonies for the Church
3:213-218
.
* * * * *
Discussions cannot always be avoided.... People who love to see
opponents combat, may clamor for discussion. Others, who have a
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desire to hear the evidences on both sides, may urge discussion in
all honesty of motive; but whenever discussions can be avoided, they
should be. They generally strengthen combativeness, and weaken that
pure love and sacred sympathy which should ever exist in the hearts
of Christians, although they may differ in opinion.
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