OF WHAT BENEFIT?
But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Titus 3:9
The early Latin writer, Tertullian of Carthage, is said to have remarked that the one thing that converted him to Christianity was not the arguments they gave him, because he could find a counterpoint for every argument they would present. “But they demonstrated something I didn't have. The thing that converted me to Christianity was the way that they loved each other,” he said.
Sometimes we get caught with a desire to prove that what we believe is right and get involved with comparative religious arguments. We allow those who oppose our faith to draw us into useless debates that lead to bitterness, anger and insults. In the end instead of showing Christ to our world, we show the world the worst side of our unsanctified character.
Our world is not looking for new arguments for Christ but a new life that makes Christ real. Our lives speak louder than all the Bible verses we can quote to prove our point. People can laugh at our devotion, propose counter-arguments for every point of view we have and even appear more successful than us but they cannot ignore the witness of a Christ-like life. When we are considerate to others and exhibit moral uprightness in both our personal and professional conduct, we present an unchallenged argument for the living Christ.
In our offices, schools and neighbourhood, many watch us to see whether the Jesus we profess is real or just a religious dogma. Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in you and there will be no need for bitter contentions.
Praver: Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you self-control and help you to witness to the world.
Scriptural Reading: Titus 3:1-11
