(58) Responding to Worthless Chatter & Legalism -- Steer Clear of the Conversations

What do we do about worthless chatter and legalism? How do we respond to people who are guilty of these sins and are oppressive and discouraging forces in our lives?

But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. (Titus 3:9-11 NAU)

The first step Paul gives us for dealing with worthless chatter and worthless legalism is to avoid it. J. Hampton Keathley, III explains that “But avoid” means “going around something in order to avoid it.” We need to steer clear and avoid worthless chatter and worthless legalism whenever we can.

What’s the best way to avoid a pothole in the road or an accident? Stay alert to what is ahead of you. Anticipate and steer clear of the problem before you get to it.

When I drive, I am constantly scanning the horizon and checking my mirrors to be ready to respond to a potential problem on the road. Sometimes, driving safely means knowing the road conditions. Ice on the road can be hard to see and react to if you are not very alert and conscious of the danger.

This is what Paul is saying here. We should do our best to steer clear of contentious conversations that are related to speculations, superstition and characterized by sensationalism and excess drama. We should do our best to steer clear of contentious conversations and arguments related to man-made rules and “standards” added to scripture.

How do we do this? At times, it is best just to ignore the comment and stay clear of the conversation if possible just by not responding at all. There are times when we need to excuse ourselves from the conversation as quickly as possible. In some cases, we need to politely put an end to the conversation. And then, there are times when we need to speak up, usually in private, and confront the person. We may need to go to them and help them see where their superstitions, speculations, sensationalism or legalism are oppressive to others and discouraging. This is not easy, but at times, it is critical and necessary.

Maybe there’s someone in your life that is always oppressing you with old wives tales and superstitious practices that is oppressive to you. Perhaps there is someone you know who is always speculating about the actions of others and their motives, adding things to the facts they know, and it gets you down. They may even do this to you. Or, there may be someone who just makes a big deal our of everything. They see a problem in everything. Perhaps you have someone in your life who is a real legalist and has a list of rules they have added to scripture and they are always trying to get you to conform. These situations can be emotionally oppressive, physically draining, and spiritually harmful. You need to avoid the conversations and lovingly and gently confront the person who is doing these things.
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Next: (59) Lead Them to Change