Petty Nonsense

 

By Andrea Merrell

Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies

and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking

and from the spiritual powers of this world, 

rather than from Christ.

Colossians 2:8 NLT

“I did not say that.”

“Yes, you did.”

“Well, I didn’t mean it the way it sounded.”

“It doesn’t matter. It hurt. I will never forgive you.”

Sound familiar? This came from an actual conversation (uh … argument) I heard over something not even worth discussing. But I’ve heard—and been involved in—many others of this type.

It’s amazing how we battle each other over minor, petty, trivial things that no one will even remember next week. Whether it’s from a lack of self-confidence or the need to always be right, those battles get us nowhere. It’s a no-win situation that only hurts all parties.

Even in the Body of Christ, we let those disagreements creep in and separate believers. That’s why there are so many different denominations. Those in leadership cannot seem to agree on what the Bible says, and each group wants things their way—attire, music, doctrine … well, you get the picture.

God created us as unique individuals with our own idea of what is good. Right. Acceptable. And we are free to pick and choose—except when it comes to God’s Word. Paul tells us in Colossians that we should never allow anyone to capture or deceive us with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking.

There have been arguments over dimming the lights in church to not allowing drums on the platform to not allowing people to attend who wear shorts or have tattoos. Years ago I heard of a church that split because the men disagreed on wearing ties to church. Seriously?

Do we really think God is concerned about all this nonsense. Thankfully, He looks on the heart, not our outward appearance. He accepts us just as we are and will draw us to Him by His love in whatever way works best.

Timothy says, “A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be kind” (2 Timothy 2:24), so let’s stop arguing over things that simply don’t matter and get serious about sharing His love with a lost and dying world.

Photo by Ian ODonnell on Unsplash