Avoiding Foolish Controversies.

Titus 3:8-15 (ESV)
The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. [9] But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. [10] As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, [11] knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
[12] When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. [13] Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. [14] And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.
[15] All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all.

I sometimes wonder, on the one hand we are charged to rebuke those who teach falsely, and at other times to avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law. I suppose you know they are foolish when they prove to be unprofitable, and worthless. I have dragged out arguments for days with people who do stir up division, at least those in other denominations. However what Paul says here can have great application for the church. I think, too often, we are all to forgiving of the lay popes and pappets. Nothing can be more detrimental to the life of a congregation than the person who thinks the congregation can’t survive without them, and lord the pet projects over all others. There have been a couple people in my short ministry who threatened to leave if I didn’t do such and such. I’m glad the door didn’t have to hit them in the… on their way out. Funny, how a congregation can survive without people causing controversies and dissensions every other day. I am also glad that at least with a couple of these people we were able to make amends before they died.