But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. Reject a factious man after a first and second warning,11knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.
(Titus 3:9-11 NAU)
A second aspect to what Paul is describing here is speculations. The Jewish rabbis would take one little fact and add to it and add to it and find meaning and significance that really wasn’t there.
For us, this takes the form of talking about things when we really don’t know the facts, assigning meaning and motives to things, often twisting the facts. This often takes the form of gossip.
We see someone do something or hear one fact and then draw conclusions, “He did this, and that must mean he did this and thinks that. And if he did that, well then, he must think this too and he probably did the other thing also.” On and on it goes, we spin our yarns just like the rabbis interpreting and adding to facts – facts which we probably don’t even fully know the meaning of in the first place. And soon we have a big story and its spread around and people say, “I know this happened, “ for facts.”
Not only does this destroy people’s reputation, but, even when the stories aren’t about you, when you’re around this regularly it can be oppressing and discouraging. If you are guilty of it, you are being oppressive and discouraging to others.
The third and final element of the worthless chatter Paul is describing involves sensationalism. Here, it is man’s tenancy to gravitate toward the exciting and exaggerated, making a big deal out of things that really aren’t that serious. It involves filling every situation with unnecessary added drama.
With some people, everything's a problem or concern. Things are twisted and exaggerated to make more out of it than there really is. Dramatic words are used to add intensity to the conversation.
Not all sensationalism is damaging, sometimes, some of this can be harmless and not meant to be believed. Many times it becomes annoying, oppressive, quite harmful and discouraging. I have known a good number of people through the years who have become deeply discouraged and even dropped out of ministry in their local church, some staying home from church because of the oppressive nature of worthless chatter – superstitions, speculations, and sensationalism.
Before we move on to the second aspect of discouraging discourse, we need to pause and evaluate, “Am I guilty of worthless chatter?” We need to assure that we are not part of the problem. So, I ask you, are you prone toward superstitions that lead you to tell others what they should and shouldn’t do? Are you guilty of speculating about things you hear or see and then adding your ideas of the thinking and motives of others? Are you guilty of sensationalism, exaggerating a story, adding drama to it, or in some other way making it bigger than it really is?
Let’s make sure we are part of the solution, not a part of the problem! Let’s make sure we don’t oppress others with our rules and practices built on superstitions. Let’s make sure we don’t speculate about the actions of others and their motives. Let’s be sure we aren’t guilty of blowing things out of proportion and making everything a big deal.
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Next: (57) Worthless Legalism
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