"Ignorant controversies"

Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.

2 Timothy 2:23 ESV

What great advice the Apostle Paul shared with young Timothy. Paul says that ignorant controversies breed quarrels. How true that is. How many of us can look back on our lives and remember a time when when we were baited into arguments concerning ignorant controversies? They usually were quite unproductive and damaging to all involved.

The key word in this advice is “ignorant”. More often than not the issues that cause contention and division come from ignorance of the scriptures. Many folks want to argue for things that the bible either speaks directly against or they attempt to twist the scriptures to their way of thinking. Either way, when this happens you are dealing with someone that is propagating an ignorant controversy. If such a person will not listen to the scriptures and continues to force their agenda, it’s time to move on. Gently let them know that you will no longer continue to entertain their foolish pursuit.

So today, be aware of the conversations you involve yourself in. Don’t participate in foolish pursuits that will only bring on an argument that may cause lasting damage to you, your reputation and the relationship with person pursuing ignorant controversies. Deal gently with those that are ignorant of the scriptures and perhaps they will be won over by the truth of God’s word.

© 2013 Leo J. Woodman

"Rejoice"

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7 ESV

photo  ©2007  thegoinggreenboutique, Flickr

I think this passage is something we should meditate on as we see so many things in the world around us in an upheaval. How we react as Christians is going show the world who is really in charge.

The Apostle Paul understood political, social  and religious chaos and found his comfort in Christ. This is why he can confidently write a passage like this to the Philippian church. We too can apply this passage to our lives today. In spite of all that is going on around us and in our lives we can have full confidence that God knows what we are going through and He will see us through it.

So today, let’s rejoice, be reasonable , not be anxious, pray and be thankful. We can do this because we have the peace of God, that surpasses all understanding. Let’s let the world see that our hearts and minds are guarded in Jesus. Have this song in your heart today...

“This world is not my home I'm just a passing through

My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue”

© 2013 Leo J. Woodman