Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. – Titus 3:9 (NLT)
One evening after Bible study, two men found themselves in the church lobby engaged in a spirited conversation regarding something they had read earlier in Scripture. “I’m telling you – that’s not the right place! Why would the apostle Paul write a letter to a church in the city where he was currently living?!” The other guy pointed to a map in his Bible. “That’s just it – he wasn’t currently living there! He was in prison – right here – when he wrote that!”
As their voices grew louder, the people around them grew uncomfortable and started drifting away. What started as a minor disagreement turned into a full-blown argument, with neither man willing to back down. And not about theology, mind you, but geography!
Their pastor heard about their exchange and the following Sunday he pulled them both aside. “Brothers,” he gently said, “does it really matter which city Paul’s letter was written from? Does it change the truth of Scripture? No! But do you know what does matter? Your argument. That mattered. It hurt your witness and had the potential to divide the men in the study. Was it worth all that?”
Paul cautioned Titus about this very thing. Don’t argue with others about things that don’t matter. What is gained from it? Nothing! It’s a waste of time!
He knew that some people love to argue for argument’s sake. But these debates rarely lead to meaningful growth. They do, however, open the door to division. That’s why Paul goes even further and tells Titus to avoid such argumentative people if they refuse warnings and persist (v.10).
As followers of Christ, shouldn’t our goal be to build each other up? What is gained if we end up tearing each other down over minor disagreements? Sure, there’s a time for healthy discussion. But when a conversation becomes more about defending one’s intelligence rather than seeking the truth, and with love, it’s time to step away.
Furthermore, that’s sound advice when any topic is broached, and with whomever, inside or outside of church.
Today’s Prayer: Lord, help me to focus on what truly matters. Give me discernment to avoid foolish arguments and wisdom to pursue peace. Let my words build up rather than divide, and may my heart always seek unity in Your truth. Amen.
Former Blackout Artist 