Is being obnoxious just for the sake of contention scriptural?
No. The context teaches that true Christianity does not become contentious merely for contention’s sake. Believers contend for the faith and stand for what they believe is truth, but they do not invite controversy or become obnoxious. Becoming obnoxious just to be contentious is not scriptural, though compromise and a milquetoast Christianity are also rejected.
Les explains that true Christianity does not become contentious just for the sake of being contentious. He says, “We contend for the faith. We stand for what we feel is the truth, but we don’t become contentious.” He recalls telling a young pastor years ago that sometimes you ask for it by putting yourself in that kind of position, and that is not a Christian testimony at all. He fears spiritual leaders have often invited controversy. Les clarifies he is not talking about compromise or a milquetoast Christianity, but simply becoming obnoxious for the sake of being contentious is not scriptural. This follows the Acts 2 setting where Peter preached to Israel, about 3,000 were convicted, the believers sold their possessions and put the proceeds into a common kitty, and they were praising God and having favor with all the people.