“Foolish Controversies”
Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. (ESV)
Note: The targeted audience for this specific blog is Christians.
Do you enjoy a good argument? Or would you rather just keep quiet and let words go unsaid? Maybe you are like me and you enjoy watching a good argument at times. In fact, my wife calls me a “pot stirrer”! She has certainly helped me to greatly reduce my “pot stiring” on Facebook. But, I will admit that I like to read certain “arguments” on Facebook. Of course, if a fight breaks out from the argument then it is no longer a good argument!
As Christians, we should also be ready to “defend” our beliefs (1 Peter 3:15). However, how many Christians have spent much more time arguing with other Christians about their interpretations of “Christian” issues rather than sharing with unbelievers about the “hope” that they have in Jesus Christ? I admit that I am guilty of this very thing.
What are some things that we as Christians spend way too much time arguing about in my opinion? I will give you two of them.
1. Versions of the Bible
I am not going to identify any versions other than the one I am using for the quoted verses from Titus. I would just ask all Christians to be very careful how they “discuss” this topic with another Christian or unbeliever. We need to remember that we are discussing “versions” and not the original manuscript of the Bible. Nobody in the world has the original manuscripts. Why would anyone think that there is only one version that God can use to make disciples of Jesus Christ? So, regardless if you are a one Bible version person or a multi-version person, remember that the words are very sacred and God has used these words as a tool to save many people by His grace! I am thankful for all of the skilled translators from ancient times through modern times who have translated the Bible into hundreds of languages and dialects. To God be the glory!
2. Music Styles (Hymns vs. Contemporary)
Thank God for music! Can you imagine a world without music? God created music and He can be honored by any musical instrument or vocal harmony. We all have our preferences regarding music styles. However, do we really know what God’s preference is regarding music? We see many instruments used in the Bible. We are commanded to sing to God. So, when we criticize a certain music style, are we doing it out of a surrendered heart to God or out of a personal preference? Certainly, there are many ways to dishonor God through music and songs. However, may we be very careful to not disregard the fact that God in His sovereignty can use music that we don’t like to bring Him glory!
So, should we never have heartfelt, prayer discussions about the above issues? Of course, there is a place for it. But, may we remember the words from the Apostle Paul that he wrote directly before the above verse in Titus: For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. (Titus 3:3-8 KJV, emphasis mine)
While we will continue to have our preferences about many “Christian” things, may we glorify God in our “arguments” by focusing on the awesome mercy and grace given to us through Jesus Christ by God the Father!
Pastor Jason