Nothing Doing

“But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.  Warn a divisive person once and then warn him a second time.  After that, have nothing to do with him.  You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.”  Titus 3:9-11

In the book of Titus, Paul is instructing and admonishing Titus about things he should be doing to best help the churches on the Island of Crete.  Thus, the warnings here are primarily to those within the household of faith, or Christians.

As we saw yesterday, he urged him to avoid foolish quarrels and arguments.  Today’s verses are a progression from yesterday.  He is advising Titus on what to do when he ran across divisive people in the church.  First, the person must be warned.  Our primary work in dealing with others is always redemptive. Our goal is to help people find their way to Jesus, and thereafter to live a life worthy of the call that they have received.  When a divisive person is uncovered, we must warn them in the hopes that they will listen, take heed, be instructed and changed.

The next step in the progression is to offer a second warning.  Let’s face it.  Some of us are slower learners than others.  Sometimes a person needs a second chance.  But after that, Paul advised him to have nothing to do with that person.  Although that may sound harsh to some people, the only way to minimize the damage in the church is to avoid that type of person.  Additionally, there is hope that the “shunned” person will miss fellowship, see the error of their ways and return to fellowship.

This passage indicates that a person who will not receive instruction or correction is warped and sinful, and thus, self-condemned.  They are making choices that bring them under condemnation.

In our modern society of tolerance and living in fear of offending someone, often we fail to follow this example.  Our duty is not to go around all the time looking for someone to set straight.  But when we become aware of someone who is on a destructive path, love dictates that we sound the warning.

Many churches have been destroyed because divisive people are allowed to continue to wreak havoc, month after month, year after year.  We are encouraged to walk meekly.  But meekness must never be mistaken for weakness.  Meekness is power under control.  Sometimes we are called to make a stand.  If we do not, the damage is incalculable.

Dear Lord, help me to be a peace maker rather than a divisive person.  Help me to follow your pattern in relationships and in all that I do.  In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Sherri