At my age, I have found that a person has to pick the battles they are willing to fight. In this day, there are a lot of battles raging within the different Christian groups on matters of theology and practice. Don't get me wrong here. I believe in having convictions based on the Word of God and standing for those convictions. I don't believe in trying to convince someone of my way of thinking when they hold other views which are different from mine. Sure, I will tell them what I believe and why I believe it. But most of the time I don't believe in trying to convince someone of my theological position when they have studied it just as much as I have, yet come to different conclusions. A case in point is the debate which has been raging for some time over different versions of the Bible. I refer to the debate over whether or not the KJV is the most accurate. I personally have studied the issue for some time over the past two or three decades. I have been on both sides at different times. I have respect for authorities in both camps. A long time ago, I settled the matter in my own mind. If someone wants to know where I stand on the issue, I'll be glad to tell them. But I am not going to try to sway them to my views. They can decide for themselves. Personally, I think this particular debate is actually a needlessly divisive issue. Sure there are perversions of scripture out there. But I don't think the KJV is the only version of the Bible that is accurate. And I believe in the literal, verbal, plenary inspiration of Scripture. If you want to know how I arrived at my conviction, just ask, but if you differ, please don't try to convince me you are right and I am wrong. Personally, I don't have time to waste in nonsensical arguing. I have enough problems just trying to live the simple commands of Scripture in any version, just like everyone else (if they would be honest about it.) I don't see this Bible version issue as a matter of doctrine. I think preachers and Bible teachers should concentrate more on teaching and preaching the Word instead of arguing about it. Take the three main versions used in the argument; the King James Version, The New American Standard Version, and the New International Version. All three teach the fundamental doctrines of Scripture, no matter what anyone else says to the contrary. They teach the deity of Christ, the Trinity, the virgin birth, salvation by faith, etc., etc. Those who disagree are approaching this question with their own preconceived notions and their own agendas in studying the topic. I think we should be spending our time witnessing to the lost, edifying the believers, and trying to live a Spirit guided life. Some people will say this version issue is very important. Personally I disagree. You're welcome to your opinion though. Just don't deny me mine.
This issue I refer to above is just one example of what I call the need to "pick your battles". We are only given a limited amount of time on this earth and for you older people, I think you will agree with me when I say that time is precious. We have to use wisdom to determine the best use of our time each day. Prioritizing is an absolute necessity. Take some time some Saturday afternoon, and try to view your life as if you are at the end of it. When you look back on what you have accomplished, what will you feel? Will you feel like you have accomplished at least some things which were worthwhile? Or will you feel most of your life has been wasted chasing things you thought were so important at the time, but now seem like meaningless or useless activities? Try to imagine you are at the end of your life and look back and see what you wish you would have accomplished. Then make a plan to head in that direction and keep at it. In the coming weeks, take time to do some re-evaluation of how you are doing. If need be, change you priorities, but keep in mind, the end of your life is slipping up on you closer each day. Don't get to the end and have a lot of regrets you could have avoided. This is what I mean by choosing your battles. Some battles just aren't worth fighting for. The really bad thing about it is that fighting them takes time away from battles you really do need to be fighting to make a different in your life, in the lives of others, and in creating eternal results for the Kingdom of Christ.
My prayer is with you, fellow soldiers.
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