No 22

(Foolish questions)

“Avoid foolish questions” Titus 3:9a. These words, although penned a long time ago still are relevant in our modern age. Our days are few, and are far better spent in doing good deeds, than in disputing over matters which are, at best, of minor importance. Down through the centuries, some Christians did a world of mischief by their incessant discussion of subjects of no practical importance; and the Church of Jesus Christ suffered much from petty wars over obscure points and unimportant questions. I know of a church once who had a needless discussion about the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross. Some said that there was no way that the precious blood of the Saviour fell on the ground, in the mud; the others, of course said the opposite. The membership of the church split because of an issue that had no significance whatsoever. After everything has been said that can be said, neither party is any the wiser, and therefore the discussion no more promotes knowledge than love, and it is foolish to persue such matters. Questions upon points wherein Scripture is silent; upon mysteries which belong to God alone; upon prophecies of doubtful interpretation; and upon mere modes of observing human ceremonials, are all foolish, and wise men avoid them. Our task is to neither ask nor answer foolish questions, but to avoid them altogether; and if we observe the Apostle Paul’s words just before the above verse “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.” (Titus 3:8), we shall find ourselves far too much occupied with profitable ministry and worthy activities for our loving heavenly Father.

There are, however, some questions which are very important and which we must not avoid but fairly and honestly ask ourselves, such as : Do I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ? Am I renewed in the spirit of my mind? Am I walking not after the flesh, but after the Spirit? Am I growing in grace? Does my conversation adorn the doctrine of God my Saviour? Am I looking for the coming of the Lord, and watching as a servant should do who expects his master? What more can I do for Jesus? Such questions as these urgently demand our attention; and if we have been at all losing our time with useless discussions, let us now turn our abilities to a service so much more profitable. May we be peace-makers, and endeavour to lead others both by our precept and example so as to “avoid foolish questions.”