Majoring In Minors

Read I Timothy 6:1-21

“Guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless,
foolish discussions with those who oppose you
with their so-called knowledge.”
(I Timothy 6:20)

Thoughts… Have you ever been around someone who enjoys arguing over minor details, relishes ridiculous theological debates, or tries to impress you with their mastery of Biblical minutiae? If there were a show called “Spiritual Jeopardy”, they would win it every time. The problem is, they seem to know a lot about a ton of little, inconsequential things, but they don’t seem to do well with the big picture of walking in a vital, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

Apparently, Timothy had a few people like this in the church he was leading. And being a young pastor, he probably felt he needed to answer them tit-for-tat. But his wise, old mentor Paul gave him some sage advice.

“Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas
and old wives’ tales. (I Timothy 4:7)

“Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and
lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy
desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs
up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander,
and evil suspicions.” (I Timothy 6:4)

“Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of
no value, and only ruins those who listen.” (II Timothy 2:13)

“Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will
become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will
spread like gangrene.”  (II Timothy 2:16-17)

Basically, Paul is telling Timothy not to allow himself to get distracted by majoring on the minors. He is to be a “big picture” pastor. Rather than silly debates and meaningless discussions on unimportant theology that produce nothing of eternal value, he should focus doing whatever it takes to be a godly man and training his flock to be godly people.

Note Paul’s antidote to wasteful arguments over meaningless minutiae: “Instead, train yourself to be godly.” (I Timothy 4:7b) Or how about the proper response to those who quibble over the ridiculous: “Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.” (I Timothy 6:6)

In truth, people who major on minors have something to hide. They are using their knowledge of the ridiculous as a smokescreen to cover up the fact that there is a deficit of godliness in their lives. Don’t get sucked into their little game.

We are called to be “big picture” people. That means rather than getting caught up in stuff that doesn’t really matter, we should passionately pursue godliness. If we’re going to major on anything, let it be that!

Prayer… Lord, forgive me for getting off track in my pursuit of godliness by focusing on things that really don’t matter in the light of eternity. Keep me from majoring on minors, O God, and keep me referring each and every little detail of my life back to you.

One More Thing… “Sainthood lies in the habit of referring the smallest actions to God.” — C.S. Lewis