Titus Chapter 3: Verses 8-9 (NIV)
This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.
Paul reminded Titus to make sure that the church in Crete got their priorities right. The most important thing was to prioritise doing good, which is emulating what Jesus did. And as Christians that’s what we are called to do. The people of Crete were not to get caught up in arguments about spiritual things. Is that not what the Pharisees of Jesus’ time were guilty of? The NLT translation of verse 9 says not to get caught up in arguments about “spiritual pedigree”.
We need to remember that we have no spiritual pedigree of our own. Our salvation and thus our spiritual standing comes from trusting in the work Jesus did on the cross. We haven’t earned it or merited it by anything we have done. That’s why we shouldn’t get caught up in doctrinal arguments. Whilst its true we want to interpret scripture correctly and not mislead people with what we teach, the important thing is to keep our heart and mind opened to be guided by the Holy Spirit. That’s why He came. A very wise pastor I learned much from used to say that if we are going down a particular path with an open mind and heart, God will soon show us if we are going in the wrong direction. God will not allow us to go far down a wrong road if our intentions are genuine. It’s doing things that are good and right, even if it means putting ourselves out that is most important.
Dear Lord,
Help me to keep my priorities right and not get caught up in things that are less important and which don’t point people to You. Keep my heart and mind open to be guided by the Holy Spirit. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.