"Gunsel"

Some folks like to argue,

And plumb enjoy a fuss,

Downright big debaters,

Out-talk the rest of us.

And some of them are Christians,

At least that’s what they say,

Think they have to prove it,

It makes them feel okay.

Reminds me of some gunsel,

Who knows more than the boss,

He’ll tell him how it ought to be,

Though he knows not gain from loss.

But he wears a hat and bought some boots,

And sports a swelling head,

And thinks that what he saw online,

Confirms the words he said.

How do you fix such people,

If with them you must deal,

Don’t think they need your help at all,

Least that’s the way they feel.

Sometimes it’s best to ride away,

Ignore their sage advice,

And don’t engage the argument,

While trying to be nice.

‘Cause what I’ve seen with arguers,

And those who think they know,

Is you cannot convince them,

They’ll bring you down so low.

And you’ve wasted lots of time,

With someone who won’t bend,

And truth to tell, it’s probably one,

The devil likes to send.

Love all, be a servant,

But never be deceived,

By someone who’s debating,

‘Bout what they have believed.

Sow your seeds and then move on,

Shake off all the dust,

Or else they’ll make you sorry,

They’re not someone to trust.

Lord, help us have discernment,

And let that gunsel go,

‘Cause he’s just a distraction,

Lord, help us to know.

“Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales.” (1 Timonty 4:7, NLT)

We live in a very contentious, argumentative, divided culture. If we are not careful, we will get caught up in the endless cycle of debate. God has called us to humbly speak the truth in love, nothing more or less. We are not responsible for convincing anyone of anything. That is the role of the Holy Spirit. The Lord wants us to love everyone, and compassionately tell them the story of God’s grace as He gives the opportunity. There is a place to discuss scripture, and there is plenty of room for disagreement on some things. But even then we should keep the right attitude and keep our reactions in check. When someone clearly shows that they are argumentative, sow your seeds and move on, or else they will waste a lot of your time. The Lord will help you see the boundaries.

Lord, lead us away from those who waste our time with arguments, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Don Weller, donweller.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Don, and God bless you.