Contemplative Bible Reading

Titus 3:9 (New Living Translation)

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.

The different translations use different words for the word following “foolish.” Examples are arguments, controversies, and so on. All the translations use the word “foolish” and all the translations advocate avoiding these things.

What is foolish and why should we avoid it? In this case, foolish was old things that no longer matter. Who are your ancestors? Did they drop a chewing gum wrapper on the sidewalk? Did they chew gum at all?

This is Christianity. This is church. This is serious. If we are wrong, we go to … well, you know. But is chewing gum and sidewalk litter about going to … well, you know?

No, they are not. They may be important to me, or thee, or that fellow over behind that tree (an old expression), but they are not important. They fall under foolish whatever.

Am I willing to let go of foolish whatever even though it has been important to me all my life? Please God, help me in my unbelief.