The challenge of teaching others is readily seen when facing the need to deal with "tough" issues. This is true for any Christian, preacher or not. To have to look people in the eyes and say what they don’t want to hear is a task most of us would rather not face. Yet, we know that it must be done, both in and out of pulpits and classrooms. Preaching the word includes reproof, rebuke, and exhortation (2 Tim. 4:2). And so it must be "in season and out of season" lest we become too comfortable, satisfied with "accumulating" for ourselves those who would teach according to our own desires.

Jesus dealt with tough questions on several occasions, often speaking against the conventional wisdom of the day. He spoke "hard sayings" that challenged the thinking of those who confronted Him. He cut to the heart of issues and pierced the souls of those in His presence. For example, in Matthew 19, He was asked about divorce. His answer was not to quote the rabbis, or to take a side with a warring party, but to go back to the beginning and stick with Scripture. When asked by the young ruler what must be done for eternal life, Jesus cut the heart of this man’s life: "go sell what you have and come follow Me." Matthew 22 shows Jesus being confronted by different groups trying to test Him. In each case He dealt with the issues as necessary and truth prevailed. He was not One to shy away from controversial matters, or tough issues, but it is apparent that He wasn’t out just looking for them either. When they did come, He was ready, and His wisdom is vindicated.

The definition of a "tough issue" is somewhat relative. On one level, an issue might be "tough" because of our own understanding. On the other hand, there are circumstances that determine whether or not an issue is "difficult." What may be "tough" with one audience may not be so tough with another. It depends on what they need to hear. For example, I may discuss the problem of "church discipline" with someone who agrees with what I’m saying, and I know he agrees. With him, the discussion is not very difficult. We can nod at each other and not feel at all like we are stepping on each other’s toes during the discussion. On the other hand, the I may discuss the same issue with one who might have some family on the brink of being marked by the congregation, and the discussion with this brother takes on an entirely different tone. In fact, that conversation can be very "tough." One of the toughest lessons I’ve preached was on church discipline, when we were about to mark some erring brethren. That was not very fun. My point is that the audience, circumstances, timing, what’s at stake, and the consequences all factor into how difficult the particular issue is. It’s one thing to preach baptism to a congregation of Christians who agree with you; it’s another thing to preach the same lesson to a group of Baptists who are ready to rip out your hair because of what you are saying. Any issue can be "tough" depending on the situation. Nevertheless, it doesn’t change the need to deal with the issue; it only increases our awareness of how important it is.

In football, a good defensive player knows that he must step up to make a tackle, even when he knows he’s about to get "creamed." I’ve heard old pros talk about not wanting to tackle Larry Czonka because he hit so hard and was so tough to tackle. Yet they knew they had to attempt to make the tackle; they had no choice. So it is in teaching the truth. Situations may make for tough issues, but they cannot be ignored. Following, then, are some suggestions for "tackling" tough issues.

1. Tackle with Resolve. We must have the courage to decide; tough issues are first reconciled in the mind. Make up your mind that you will study through and deal with the issues that face you, even when you know it will not be easy. As Daniel resolved in his mind not to allow himself to be defiled (Dan. 1), so we can resolve to face circumstances that are less than desirable. Without resolve, we will lack the courage to stand up and be counted for what is right.

2. Tackle with Conviction and Sincerity. People need to know that you really do believe what you are saying. Let them see someone who is sincere. Without conviction, we will be unable to convince others.

3. Tackle with Fairness and Honesty. Represent issues with a sense of balance and fairness. If, for example, you must deal with an opposing position, then represent it accurately. Try to avoid the bias that would automatically prejudice people unfairly (cf. Rom. 3:8). If you know that your position on something has difficulties, admit them and try to deal with them honestly. Remember that our quest is for truth. Misrepresentation does not lend itself to that quest.

4. Tackle with Love and Kindness. The truth is to be spoken in love (Eph. 4:15). Our "gentleness" (reasonable nature) is to be known to all (Phil. 4:5). Though we can and should be forthright (not always beating around the bush), we must also use a little tact. Forthrightness does not allow for meanness. There are proper and improper ways to say something, and our task is to try to learn how best to say what needs to be said (cf. Col. 4:6). Just because what one says may be "true," nothing can justify unkind, tactless approaches. We never have a right to insult someone, for example, even if we think his position on something is way off base. Respect for others is always in order (cf. Eph. 4:32).

5. Tackle with Patience. Paul told Timothy to preach the word with "great patience and instruction" (2 Tim. 4:2). When I first started preaching, I was a little impatient. I would think, "Hey, I taught on it, now everyone should agree and be doing it." But reality is that it takes some people time to assimilate teaching. I got too tense over any disagreement because I didn’t understand the need for patience in teaching. Different people take in teaching at different levels and paces. With a little patience, we can help each other over the humps and work our way through the tough issues. Don’t expect overnight change, especially with difficult issues. Take the "long haul" view and show a little patience and tolerance (Eph. 4:2).

6. Tackle with Scripture and common sense. The way to convict someone is not by seeing who can out-shout each other. You’ve already lost it if that’s what happens. When we teach or preach, we don’t "prove" our point just because we yell it (marginal note: pound here). Go to the Bible and let it speak. Resolve to use the Scriptures properly, with common sense. Don’t force passages to say what you want just so you can make your point. Tackle tough issues with proper interpretation. Our goal is to teach truth, not uphold various traditions or preconceived conclusions.

7. Tackle with an open mind, accompanied by humility and prayer. Frankly, I’ve never really been impressed by anyone who says, "I’ve never changed what I’ve believed." Well, I have changed on some things because I’ve come to see weaknesses or problems with certain positions and arguments. I do not want to leave people with the impression that my mind is closed, and I am unwilling to consider anything that might possibly affect what I think about an issue. We need to keep open minds. Maybe we missed something, failed to consider a point or two that could affect our conclusions. This is why we need to search the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11). Pride would keep us from admitting that we were wrong about something. We need humility to keep studying and making adjustments as necessary. And all of this should be done with consistent prayer.

There are issues, depending on the circumstances, that most of us would probably rather not have to deal with. But, preacher or no, our commitment is to the Lord and His truth; and our goal is heaven. We must patiently study, discuss, teach, and "tackle" the various issues that we face. Most of us know when something is "tough." We feel the butterflies, the sweaty palms, and wish someone else had to deal with it. But this is where we need the courage of conviction, and the sense of what is at stake. If our attitudes are right, people can see our sincerity, and perhaps we can open doors through which others can pass in their search for truth.

Doy Moyer