Morning
Time: 10:00 AM PST
"Avoid foolish questions." --Titus 3:9
Our days are few, and are far better spent in doing good, than in disputing
over matters which are, at best, of minor importance. The old schoolmen did a
world of mischief by their incessant discussion of subjects of no practical
importance; and our Churches suffer much from petty wars over abstruse points
and unimportant questions. After everything has been said that can be said,
neither party is any the wiser, and therefore the discussion no more promotes
knowledge than love, and it is foolish to sow in so barren a field. Questions
upon points wherein Scripture is silent; upon mysteries which belong to God
alone; upon prophecies of doubtful interpretation; and upon mere modes of
observing human ceremonials, are all foolish, and wise men avoid them. Our
business is neither to ask nor answer foolish questions, but to avoid them
altogether; and if we observe the apostle's precept (Titus 3:8) to be careful to
maintain good works, we shall find ourselves far too much occupied with
profitable business to take much interest in unworthy, contentious, and needless
strivings.
There are, however, some questions which are the reverse of foolish, which we
must not avoid, but fairly and honestly meet, such as these: Do I believe in the
Lord Jesus Christ? Am I renewed in the spirit of my mind? Am I walking not after
the flesh, but after the Spirit? Am I growing in grace? Does my conversation
adorn the doctrine of God my Saviour? Am I looking for the coming of the Lord,
and watching as a servant should do who expects his master? What more can I do
for Jesus? Such enquiries as these urgently demand our attention; and if we have
been at all given to cavilling, let us now turn our critical abilities to a
service so much more profitable. Let us be peace-makers, and endeavour to lead
others both by our precept and example, to "avoid foolish questions."