Spurgeon: November AM
* 11/19/AM
"Avoid foolish questions."
--Titus 3:9
Our days are few, and are far better spent in doing good,
than in disputing over matters which are, at best, of minor
importance. The old schoolmen did a world of mischief by their
incessant discussion of subjects of no practical importance; and
our Churches suffer much from petty wars over abstruse points
and unimportant questions. After everything has been said that
can be said, neither party is any the wiser, and therefore the
discussion no more promotes knowledge than love, and it is
foolish to sow in so barren a field. Questions upon points
wherein Scripture is silent; upon mysteries which belong to God
alone; upon prophecies of doubtful interpretation; and upon mere
modes of observing human ceremonials, are all foolish, and wise
men avoid them. Our business is neither to ask nor answer
foolish questions, but to avoid them altogether; and if we
observe the apostle's precept ( Titus 3:8) to be careful to
maintain good works, we shall find ourselves far too much
occupied with profitable business to take much interest in
unworthy, contentious, and needless strivings.
There are, however, some questions which are the reverse of
foolish, which we must not avoid, but fairly and honestly meet,
such as these: Do I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ? Am I
renewed in the spirit of my mind? Am I walking not after the
flesh, but after the Spirit? Am I growing in grace? Does my
conversation adorn the doctrine of God my Saviour? Am I looking
for the coming of the Lord, and watching as a servant should do
who expects his master? What more can I do for Jesus? Such
enquiries as these urgently demand our attention; and if we have
been at all given to cavilling, let us now turn our critical
abilities to a service so much more profitable. Let us be
peace-makers, and endeavour to lead others both by our precept
and example, to "avoid foolish questions."