“But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.” (Titus 3:9)
There’s nothing wrong with a good debate – even just for the fun of it. It’s a valuable skill to be able to research and make a case for a position, to be able to construct a persuasive argument that follows the rules of logic. And a good debate can be very satisfying.
Paul was a skilled debater. His command of logic and vocabulary were impressive and highly valued in his culture. But he knew that, like everything else, argument can become an idol to itself. We can come to love the competition – and the victory – more than the truth or the people we’re arguing with.
The Cretans, apparently, had come to see arguing as a big part of their Christian experience. Coming together included taking sides on the hot-button religious issues of the day to the point that it was tearing them apart.
Paul told Timothy not to join in. If the debate isn’t essential and if it has become personal or prideful, skip it. Opt out. Walk away. End it. Nobody will win even if you win.
Think: Do you know any Christians who cares more about winning arguments than living like Jesus? What’s wrong with that?
Pray: Ask God to help you to avoid foolish arguments and debates that are a waste of time and/or unloving toward the people you’re arguing with.
Do: Listen this week for Christians stuck in foolish and unhelpful arguments.