Devotional Thoughts: A Life of Significance

“But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.”

‭‭Titus‬ ‭3:9‬ ‭

Here’s leadership wisdom. I think we’ve all seen and experienced divisions, controversies quarrels and dissensions. Scripture calls these worthless. I don’t want my life to be worthless. So if we want to live an unprofitable life we can invest in arguments and controversies. What a great follow up verse from what I wrote about yesterday!

Here’s how to isolate yourself and how to be cast out of leadership circles, groups and maybe your own family. Cause dissension, lack the ability to compromise and work with others. Be polarizing and lack a vision of the big picture. That’s how to live a worthless life Verse 11 says these kind of people are self-condemned. Their actions judge themselves. Actions tell us who someone is. Actions reflect what’s in our hearts and souls. We are what we do.

So how do we live a life of significance? May I suggest four things?

First let’s respond to this verse and commit to not be divisive. This means I don’t gossip and stir things up. I choose to bite my tongue. I practice self control.

Second, I can also train myself to search for the good in people. I can choose to build up instead of tear down. Even the person we’d consider the worst has good qualities too.

Third, I can learn about a new movement that’s getting some attention in Christian circles: Peacemaking. Imagine if we all sought out peace. Imagine if we could respect one another and agree to disagree and still work together? Still accomplish things together and still be family together? this communicates the person is more valuable than your opinion.

And most importantly choosing to live a life of obedience to God gives any life true, lasting significance and purpose. Without God’s help I have no chance of being strong enough to be a peacemaker. I cannot see good. If I’m living for myself and putting me first place I choose selfishness and it comes natural to me to be divisive.

Some people even relish this kind of behavior. They love controversies and feel powerful getting in the middle of things. They see how what they do affects others. Well, these verses in Titus sets things straight. Those who choose to live in arguments are also choosing to be worthless. What do our social media pages say about us? Does it say I’m angry? Divisive? Can I get along with someone who has a different opinion? Let’s live lives of significance that love people, lives that bring peace, lives that are a clear reflection of who God is. What will we choose today? Will we bring healing or division?