November 19

Morning

But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless. — Titus 3:9 BSB

Our days are few, and they are far better spent in devoting ourselves to good works than in arguing over matters that are of minor importance at best. Endless discussions over topics of little practical value cause great harm. Our churches suffer much from petty disputes over obscure points and trivial questions. After all has been said, neither side is any wiser! Such debates do not promote knowledge, nor do they foster love. It is foolish to plant seeds in such barren soil.

Questions about things where Scripture is silent, mysteries that belong only to God, prophecies with uncertain interpretations, and human ceremonies that have no divine backing—all of these are foolish! Wise people will steer clear of them! Our focus should not be on asking or answering foolish questions but on avoiding them entirely. If we follow the apostle’s instruction to devote ourselves to good works, we will find ourselves too occupied with meaningful business to get involved in unworthy, contentious debates.

However, there are some questions we must not avoid, questions that are anything but foolish. These we must face and answer honestly:

Am I growing in grace and becoming more like Christ?
Does my life reflect the teachings of my Savior?
What more can I do for Jesus?

Such questions urgently demand our attention!

If we have been prone to arguing and disputing, let us now turn to something much more profitable. Let us seek to lead others, by our teaching and example, to “avoid foolish questions.”

Evening

If only I knew where to find Him, so that I could go to His seat. — Job 23:3 BSB

In Job’s deepest distress, he cried out to the Lord. The heartfelt desire of a suffering child of God is to once again see the face of their Father. Job’s first prayer wasn’t, “O that my body might be healed from this painful disease!” Nor was it, “O that my children might be restored from the grave, and my possessions returned to me!” No, his foremost cry was, “O that I knew where I might find Him, my God! That I might come even to His seat!”

When storms come, God’s children run home! It’s the instinct of a born-again soul to seek refuge from all troubles beneath the wings of Jehovah. “He who has made God his refuge” could be the true believer’s title. A hypocrite, when afflicted by God, resents the suffering and, like a slave, runs from the Master who disciplined him. But not so with a true child of heaven—he kisses the hand that strikes him and seeks shelter in the heart of the God who disciplined him.

Job’s desire to commune with God grew stronger when all other comforts failed. He turned away from his so-called friends and looked to the heavenly throne, just as a traveler, finding his water bottle empty, hurries to the well. Job abandoned earthly hopes and cried, “O that I knew where I might find my God!”

Nothing teaches us the preciousness of God like the realization of how empty everything else is. When we turn away, disappointed by the world’s false promises, we rejoice in God, whose Word is sweeter than honey. In every trial, our first aim should be to experience God’s presence. As long as we have His smile, we can bear any cross, gladly, for His sake!