Thursday, July 25, 2024

Do you ever find yourself embroiled in ridiculous arguments? Let’s open our hearts to the words Paul wrote to encourage Titus and his followers below.

Titus 3:9
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.

Paul teaches Titus to pay attention only to what matters and not to waste time getting involved in useless thoughts, words, or quarrels. This certainly includes a very wide range of subjects, from politics to gossiping about the gal down the hall. Participating in any form of negative speaking does not produce a fruitful outcome. There’s a reason we feel less than ideal after being unkind.

God wants more for us. He knows that when we veer off the path of righteousness, it creates a window for further temptations to pull us further and further away from him. The result gives Satan the perfect opportunity to wage war in our hearts. When we choose to avoid unkind behavior and actions, we keep our hearts aligned with what is right and good.

While it is typical to see others around us engaging in quarrels and arguments, we are admonished to avoid copying worldly behaviors. Instead, we should allow God to transform us through his Word and live differently (Romans 12:2).

If God were sitting with you today, would you take part in the same conversations or activities? Or would you choose a different way? (Keep in mind, he very well is in the room with you!) Live your life in a way that you can be proud of the person you are, the words you say, and the actions you take.

When adults avoid toxic conversations, they in turn, instill the same behavior into younger generations to imitate. They demonstrate the beautiful art of being a good and faithful human. In order to have light in this world, we must be a light. To have peace, we must bring peace. To have love, we must breathe love. We need to do our part to make the world a better place.

Matthew 7:24
“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.”

Questions:
If Jesus was sitting next to you, would you modify your words and actions?

Next Steps:
Think of something that you can do today to instill peace into yourself and those around you. Avoid unnecessary debates!

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I want to live my life in line with your words. Help me to be brave enough to avoid temptation in quarreling my opinions with others. Place kindness in my thoughts and love in my heart. Remind me of the gentleness that comes like a warm blanket when I give up the self-righteous ways of the world and live for you instead. For this day, and every day to come, I surrender myself to you. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Titus 2:14
“He [Jesus] gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.”

Today's post was written by Keisha Wiechers, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.