Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. Titus 3:9
We all know someone who loves to argue. Maybe you are that person. Sometimes it seems they just like the sound of their own voice. Sometimes the goal is winning an argument or looking superior to someone else. When it comes to spiritual discussions and arguments, we are fighting for a cause. We want to defend the truth as we know it. In any given gathering of Christians there are differing points of view on certain issues.
Paul tells us in today’s scripture that some of those discussions are a waste of time. He names two specific areas- spiritual pedigree or genealogies and matters of Jewish laws. Likely these came from the Jewish practice of using one’s genealogy to establish one’s spiritual heritage and position of authority, and the practice of Jewish laws as ritualistic. He calls such discussions foolish and a waste of time.
When there is a danger of division in the church over these issues, Titus and the church are instructed to give a warning and then disassociate with those who are causing the division. Those people are described as sinners who have turned from the truth.
When we focus on devotion to God and living lives in obedience to Him, we will see the waste and uselessness of arguing about issues that are peripheral to the gospel.
Personal reflection: Do you monitor your spiritual discussions with others? Do they build up rather than divide? Are they anchored in truth? Avoid wasteful discussions.