People love to argue. Well, not really. More accurately… people love themselves and their views and want people to agree with them. That’s why I won’t shut up until you acknowledge that Captain Picard was a way better leader than Captain Kirk.
Now, I’m not talking about light hearted arguments about who’s the best NASCAR driver or what is better on a turkey sandwich or why Avatar was such a stupid movie.
I’m talking about arguments that cause division — for absolutely no reason. Look at this verse:
Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.
“Quarrels about the law?” You know, like politics? I know a lot of Christians (aka Republicans) who argue with non-Christians (aka Democrats)… geez, I’m kidding. (I’m more making fun of the idea where Christians can only be Republicans).
Anyways, I know a lot of Christians who love to argue politics. Myself included.
Seriously, I know way more than you. Don’t even pretend I don’t. I used to be an economics major, so don’t even talk to me about the government and the economy because you’re wrong. What did you take in college? Anthropology? Communist Studies? Please.
So does it really matter that I’m right and you’re wrong about the best type of policies that the government puts into place? No. What does it say in that passage a couple verses before telling us to avoid divisive arguments?
Titus 3:1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, [2] to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
Arguing over stupid stuff does the opposite of what these verses are talking about. It divides us. It creates non-peace. It shows pride rather than humility.
If we are busy arguing, then we are not ready to do good. Instead, let’s be ready to do good.
So remember that next time you try to tell me about your stupid communist views, because I am humbly right about everything.
Titus 3 [1] Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, [2] to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
[3] At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.
[4] But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, [5] he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, [6] whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, [7] so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
[8] This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
[9] But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. [10] Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. [11] You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
Take Time to Pray: Ask God to help you keep your eyes on what really matters and to avoid division on stupid stuff. Today’s Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness, Kindness, Peace.