The endless contention.

“Avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions and strivings … for they are unprofitable and useless” 

(Titus 3:9 NKJV).

  We have all been part of the endless contention.  There are times when we feel a powerful need to make a point in a discussion, an argument and even in a dispute.  Why is it such a struggle for us in our human hearts to simply let go of the endless contention?  Why is so hard to take a wiser and broader perspective as to the value of the contention in the first place? We can feel things so deeply.  Feelings on certain matters can become so intense, making people completely unreasonable and intolerant of others.  At those times, we have to check our viewpoint and our feelings.  If it is wreaking havoc or damaging a group, friendship or even a church, is it really something we need to hold on to with all our being.  We may not even be right or correct.  Many times governments and other systems become stuck because opposing sides are unable to muster any type of working relationship to accomplish the purpose for their very existence.  What does that accomplish?  How is that a benefit to anyone? It is childish and foolish. You become like a pouting child, standing alone with your back turned to reasoning and reality with nothing but your feelings as companion.

      Finally there are those people who live for the endless contention.  They reject people and become arrogant and condescending because they are always right.  Certain philosophies and beliefs regarding future events and even interpretations of current events can become so hardened and fixed in their minds as to reject any insight and reflection.  This can lead to a consuming anger, legalism and bitterness towards others in our minds and hearts.  They become so obsessed with their viewpoint; they will often drift into hateful contempt for the whole world.  They will eventually destroy everything and everyone around them.  In the end … all they have is their endless contention. 

      The Apostle Paul was redeemed from the endless contention of arrogant and zealous legalism in his hatred of the followers of Jesus Christ.  He is not fooled by the similar zealous legalism in believers that had crept into the early church.  He sees these people as warped by their sinful obsession with foolish disputes, genealogies and contentions. These legalistic people had no desire for the early church as Christ’s body  to be a light of hope to the world. They would rather argue endlessly and needlessly over their contending viewpoints.  They could not see the purpose of their faith and did not want to be remade by grace.  They were lost in their endless obsessive quest to proclaim the correctness of their way of life and gain adherents to their legalistic view of faith.  He gives guidance and instruction to those under his care to see their endless contention for what it is … an endless contention.  His instruction is timeless and applicable to all of us as  believers.  We would do well to heed his advice on any endless contention we may encounter.

Suggested Reading … Titus 3