A long long time ago in 1994, the title No Need to Agree really piqued my contrary adolescent interest. The Cranberries had released their sophomore album, and I was already a fan of the singles from their first. I asked for and got the cassette tape version for Christmas. (For the record–pun intended–CDs existed and were popular. I’ve always been a late-adopter of the latest greatest. So now you know.)

I wanted it solely based on the fact that it was The Cranberries’ new album. I hadn’t read about it or heard anything on the radio about it yet, but I’d seen the cover art in stores. If you’re familiar with the album, you know the title is shown in a tight handwriting-like script, and you may have already seen where I’m going with this.

I didn’t realize my mistake until I actually listened to the entire thing and got to the title track at the end.

The title track was actually No Need to Argue. As a teen, that was not a sentiment I wanted to embrace at all. Some days, I still prefer the first idea: no need to agree. I have my way and there’s nothing else to talk about.

There’s a world of discussion about which Scriptures matter. Is it important to study prophecy? Or Old Testament law? How do you know what’s meant literally and what’s figurative language? Sometimes when I read, I have to remind myself that “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

His Word can shape my heart and mind. God didn’t bring me on the team as a critic, but to agree with Him and say, “I have considered my ways and turned my feet to Your testimonies,” as in verse 59 of Psalm 119. Further down in verse 89, it says “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.” There’s no need to argue Scripture with Him.