Titus 3: 9
“But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.”
When I was a young Christian, this seemed like a really tall order. There were many nights when we would sit around coffee and assorted munchies for hours, but it was hardly every night that we came away in agreement or with any real satisfaction.
But who is to say what makes a controversy or a quarrel about the law stupid? Perhaps one good question to ask would have been, “Does it equip us for service? Does it glorify God?”
Titus 3: 14
“And let people learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet urgent needs, so that they may not be unproductive.”
Here the writer of Titus gives us an excellent answer to that question. Sitting around in an all-night restaurant probably didn’t do any of us too much good, not least the servers who graciously accepted our adolescent ideas of adequate tips. Were any of those around us hungry? Were any sick? Were any in need? Were there any who were in need of some sympathy and a kind word?