Continuing the topic of my last post, these verses point out
the purpose of spiritual discussions. God wants all believers to:
be filled with love that comes from a pure heart
have a clear conscience
have genuine faith
Meaningless discussions about spiritual matters are not just
meaningless, they’re harmful. They are a waste of time and they don’t help anyone
grow in faith.
I like theological discussions. I get passionate about some
aspects of the truth. But I need to pause to consider why I’m in the discussion
and stop if it is pointless. To defend the truth is good. To argue because I
like to argue or to try to convince someone who won’t hear is harmful.
Paul wrote his first letter to Timothy to caution him about
false teachers who just love to quibble over the meaning of words. There were
specific issues that Paul addressed in the letter, but the principle about argument
transcends those issues. Paul has some pretty scathing things to say about the
false teachers. They talk with authority about things they don’t understand.
I like Paul’s approach, because it comes naturally to me. I
tend to figuratively point my finger and yell, “Wrong!” But Paul’s objection is
that these teachers try to sound like they know all about God’s ways but aren’t
concerned about the people they’re pulling into their discussions. Instead of
encouraging love, conscience and faith, they cause arguments, jealousy,
division, slander, and suspicion among believers.
I need the reminder that the purpose of discussing the truth
is to encourage and build up the others I’m talking with. It’s not to show
that I’m right.
Or that I know about the Bible
Or that I’ve read a lot of books
Or that I have incredible insight
Yes, Paul tells Timothy to guard the truth God has entrusted
to him. But he also tells him to avoid pointless discussions with argumentative
people and their so-called knowledge. The whole point of talking about the
truth is to help people live a life of faith in God and be filled with love.
Love comes first.
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