Taking off the Gloves

Read Titus 3:1-15

1. Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good.
2. They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.
3. Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other.
4. But—“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love,
5. he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.
6. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.
7. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” Titus 3:1-7

Far-fetched explanations of how things work sometimes turn out to be right. The idea that the earth revolves around the sun was heresy eight hundred years ago! Silly, brainless, and hostile arguments against the truth often oppose and delay commonsense progress.

Using good judgment, we do well when we make smart choices and stay clear of stupidity, Paul writes. Pointless arguments tangle the brain, he insists. Use your best intelligence, with openness to new ideas, but do not get tangled up in nonsense. As you read, consider what you can do to stay focused on the important issues in life.

At the close of this letter, Paul also writes of more important projects that beg for attention.

Paul warned Titus, as he warned Timothy, not to get involved in foolish and futile arguments (Titus 3:9; see 2 Timothy 2:14). Paul knew that Titus would often get into discussions about emotionally charged topics. He knew that this pastor’s study of the Scriptures and teachings about them would invite heated discussion. Thus, Paul urged Titus to choose his battles carefully and to avoid arguments that would reach no conclusion.

Some arguments lead nowhere. They concern topics that don’t matter or do no one any good, even if someone does “win.” We should avoid those kinds of arguments.

If you’re in disagreement with someone over an issue, consider what difference it makes who’s right. If it’s not important, then give up arguing. Change the subject or politely excuse yourself. Make peace a prime goal even when you discuss significant matters (see Romans 12:18).