"But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless" - Titus 3:9 (NIV).
Is there anything like a profitable argument? Of course there is. Attorneys at law argue cases before juries to win verdict in their favour for a living. Arguments forcefully presented with facts can and do always tilt opinion to someone's position, as desired.
Just as there are cases for profitable arguments, there are also those situations where it doesn't matter much how one makes a case. This is where the opposite party has already decided and even the best choice of words would not convince one otherwise. Matter of fact the more one presents his case the more the opposite side is hardened.
Here in today's verse we are cautioned to avoid getting entangled in such fruitless arguments. For instance, there are certain facts about the universe and creation which are based on Biblical truth. There are many out there who against all evidence will not be pursuaded. To engage in long winding arguments with such is certainly not profitable.
To choose which arguments to get lost in may require of us to be discerning. Perhaps the issue is of a trivial nature and one with time may argue for arguments sake. There are those heavier matters though concerning about life and eternity through faith in Jesus which which it is not about winning an argument, for the sake. The scriptures are clear- "that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him" (John 3:15).
As he sent out the disciples Jesus cautioned, "If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet" (Mathew 10:14). In other words, let us choose where and what to argue at length carefully, for us to use our time purposefully.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray that you help me not waste my time in unprofitable arguments, rather choose where I can profit in winning disciples for you, this I pray in Jesus's name.
