⁸ The saying is sure. I desire that you insist on these things, so that those who have come to believe in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works; these things are excellent and profitable to everyone. ⁹ But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. ¹⁰ After a first and second admonition, have nothing more to do with anyone who causes divisions, ¹¹ since you know that such a person is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned.

¹² When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. ¹³ Make every effort to send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way, and see that they lack nothing. ¹⁴ And let people learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet urgent needs, so that they may not be unproductive.

¹⁵ All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith.

Paul was one of the most prolific writers among the early followers of Jesus. Thirteen of the letters included in our New Testament come to us under Paul’s name and influence. The early church considered Paul’s words to churches and church leaders to be scripture – the very Word of God. In wondering what God might say to us in our time, I have been reading the closing remarks in some of Paul’s letters.

Where lots of Paul’s letters were addressed to churches and groups of Christians, there is a smaller group of letters known as the “Pastoral Epistles.” In “the Pastorals” we find Paul, the pastor/mentor writing to younger ministry companions.

In closing his conversation with his colleague Titus, Paul gives him some practical advice for putting his faith into action:

those who have come to believe in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works; these things are excellent and profitable to everyone

Titus 3:8

That is good general advice for how people who have been blessed by God try to be a blessing to others. And Paul went on from generalities to spelling out specifics in good works:

⁹ But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. ¹⁰ After a first and second admonition, have nothing more to do with anyone who causes divisions, ¹¹ since you know that such a person is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned.

Titus 3:9-11

It’s interesting to me how a 2000-year-old letter that was penned to someone else, may still speak to you and me today:

Avoid stupid controversies … and after a first and second admonition, have nothing to do with anyone who causes divisions.

As I set out today to do something good (and to make the world around me a better place) I need to actively avoid stupid controversies and those intent on causing divisions.

Good plan.

Prayer

God, pave my path today around controversies and divisions. Help me to help someone else as I keep my eye on my Lord and Savior Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.