"But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness." (2Ti 2:16)
When we gather together with other brothers and sisters, the most profitable conversation involves talk of godly things. The things of the world are not sinful to talk about. They are lawful, but not profitable (1 Cor 6:12). Movies, sports and such can be talked about freely. But the most profitable conversation involves talk of God and godly things. Unfortunately, there are many Christians that you can’t talk to about these “most profitable” things without getting into a debate or argument. Christians like this often bring up particular doctrines about scripture that they are passionate about and end up fighting with others about it… the bible goes to the extreme of calling these people heretics!
"But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is a heretic after the first and second admonition reject;" (Tit 3:9-10)
The bible tells us exactly what to do with these people. Warn them twice and attempt to change the conversation, and then if they still won’t stop arguing then you should avoid talking to them. Battling with people over the meaning of non-essential doctrines in scripture is like trying to apply a band-aid with knives. You defeat the purpose of the band-aid! The band-aid will be useless because the wound will just become more sliced up from the blades. When you fight with others over the bible, you’re dishonoring God – exactly the opposite of what the bible was meant to do.
These types of immature believers like to do nothing more than debate and attempt to slam their tiny wisdom over the heads of others pretending that they are super-spiritual. They are babies. They speak with 100% authority and 0% humility! Their discussions sound very similar to the political debates of the world. There are two things we need to do with regard to this group:
- Refrain from discussing biblical doctrine in-depth with them.
- Be sure we are not one of them
I can know that I am one of these people if:
- If I discuss the bible with a prideful attitude
- If I assume beforehand that the other person has nothing good to say
- If my conversation stirs up resentment, dissention or anger between believers (including myself)
- If I am slow to listen, and quick to speak regarding biblical matters
We must learn this lesson: when someone comes to me with some insight they’ve found in the bible, I mustn’t try to top them with mine. I must consider it and encourage them. I should not disregard their knowledge. Even if we believe they are wrong in some non-essential matter, why should I discourage their efforts? In their humility he or she is likely humbler and wiser than I am! If this person is one that takes the advice of others well, has humility and is not quick to ‘bat down’ other people’s answers, then I will be happy to pay them my attention. We can have productive discussion and this is how iron sharpens iron (Prov 27:17). If this person is one who has so much to say but will not listen to another without arguing, then I will have no biblical conversation with them. It’s better to keep peace with them and talk about the weather than it is to talk about biblical doctrine and gain an enemy.
“Never seem more learned than the people you are with. Wear your learning like a pocket watch and keep it hidden. Do not pull it out to count the hours, but give the time when you are asked.”