Have you ever found yourself caught up in a heated argument about something trivial or insignificant? Maybe it started as a friendly discussion, but before you knew it, tensions were high, and neither side was willing to budge.
The apostle Paul cautions against this very thing in Titus 3:9:
“But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.”
Fruitless debates and silly arguments can quickly become a stumbling block, breeding quarrels and divisiveness among believers. They distract us from what truly matters and hinder our spiritual growth.
Genealogy Trap
In Paul’s time, some individuals were obsessed with tracing their genealogies, hoping to gain a sense of superiority or legitimacy. But these endless genealogies only led to prideful boasting and pointless arguments.
Today, we may not get caught up in genealogies per se, but we can easily fall into the trap of debating insignificant details or minor doctrinal differences ad nauseam.
Before we know it, we’ve lost sight of the bigger picture and the true essence of our faith.
Prioritizing Unity and Spiritual Growth
As followers of Christ, our primary focus should be on fostering unity, love, and spiritual growth within the body of believers. We should strive to have fruitful discussions that build one another up and bring glory to God.
When we find ourselves in a situation where an argument is becoming heated or unproductive, it’s wise to take a step back and evaluate whether it’s truly beneficial or necessary.
Is this conversation edifying or tearing down? Are we arguing for the sake of being right, or are we genuinely seeking understanding and truth?
Pursuing Wisdom and Peace
Instead of engaging in foolish controversies, let’s commit to pursuing wisdom, peace, and godly living. Here are a few practical steps we can take:
Pray for discernment to recognize when an argument is becoming fruitless or divisive.
Approach discussions with humility, seeking to understand others’ perspectives rather than simply trying to win a debate.
Focus on areas of agreement and shared values, rather than dwelling on minor differences.
Prioritize building relationships and fostering unity within the body of Christ.
Study God’s Word diligently, allowing it to shape our beliefs and priorities.
When we avoid silly arguments and instead concentrate on what truly matters – our love for God and one another – we can experience the peace and joy that come from walking in obedience to God’s wisdom.
