“Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.”
–Titus 2:6-8
As the season comes to a close, I want to ask you this; what have you gained? First, second, or third place awards? What was it all for? Success? The coin-size medal? A piece of paper? No, speech and debate is not about winning. Instead, competition allows you the opportunity to grow in your understanding of the world around you and to learn to effectively communicate a Christian worldview. We must understand that our debates are not for a ballot or two but are instead refining and molding us to be ambassadors for God’s glory—ambassadors to a world that desperately needs the message of Jesus Christ.
Yes, many of us like to argue just because it is fun (I am sadly included in this statistic at times), but that is not the reason for why we refine our skills or debate. As we look around the world we live in, we see the sin that comes from unbelief and the tragic consequences because of it. We see the crime in Central America and loath it—longing for a solution. We recognize the fear of machinery killing thousands without any moral check, but we also understand the problems in not advancing our military technology, as we could be left vulnerable. On the surface, these resolutions and debates appear to be about policy or war, but that could not be further from the truth. These resolutions go far deeper, asking us two primary things. First, whatdo we—as Christians—think about these topics? Second, what should our response be given the current circumstances? This is why we debate—to wrestle with and answer these questions, tobetter understand the world in which we live, to refine our skills as effective communicators, and to learn to engage culture for God’s glory.
We are challenged to understand these topics and form opinions on the resolutions from the perspective of policy and philosophy, but I challenge you to also include a Christian world view. I want to comment on how ironic this is. When I was in speech and debate, I would hear alumni speak about the grand purpose of debate and I would laugh at this very sentiment, but I was the fool. I recognize the temptation to want to win and/or to look at things from a purely statistical perspective (removing God from the equation). That view is faulty, though, as it does not examine the heart of what we are asked to consider. While we may be tempted to tell ourselves we are being moral and just, we look to what laws and philosophers deem moral and just instead of considering what the Bible says is moral and just!
When I think about this, I look back to a case I wrote four years ago. I argued the case would save thousands of lives and thousands of dollars for U.S. prisons if only a weapon of opportunity was removed. I missed the bigger picture, though. People, having a sinful nature, will always be evil—apart from God. No law could tell me that. Removing one weapon of opportunity would simply make way for another; people would always find a way to commit violence. A policy could not fix that. This doesn’t mean we don’t address those issues we can, but it does mean we should stop and ask ourselves; what does God’s word say about this situation? In light of His revelation, how should my cases change? How should my outlook or my discussion with my colleges shift?
These are the questions I want you to honestly ask yourself. If you find that you fall into the trap of arguing from a secular perspective, don’t be afraid to admit it. Recognizing your tendencies is a great start to overcoming them! We must not think as the world does, but instead ask God for wisdom and begin to yield to Him, setting our mind on things above. Once you do,debate—and even life—takes on new meaning!
So, now what? Why did we refine our skills? Why did we spend the last eight plus months obsessing over these topics? Why must we consider these ideas from a Biblical perspective? The answer lies in Isaha 6:8: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”” We have worked and refined our skills. We have learned to engage culture—hopefully from a Biblical perspective. It is now time to let your light shine! Even now, you are among some of the highest educated students in America—and the world. You have the gift of speaking that surpasses a majority of your colleagues. You have the gift of critical thinking that the world is longing for. What will you do with it? Will you burry it in the sand until God asks you what you did with it, or will you say ‘send me?’
Looking back at this season, have you used your skills for this end—for God’s purposes? Have you looked at the problems set before you from a Biblical perspective? I would challenge you to do so. It is not too late. Use the skills you have gained to be commendable and honorable before the Lord and before men so that when they see you, they see not the abilities you have gained, but instead see the light of the Lord shining through you.
I wish you the best of luck as the seasons comes to a close and I am excited to see what God does with your gifts.
Roman is one of the many stellar speech and debate coaches we have at Lasting Impact! Schedule a coaching call today!
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