Saturday after Ash Wednesday - Reflections on the Epistle Letters during Lent
"Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show every courtesy to everyone. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another. But when the goodness and loving-kindness of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is sure. I desire that you insist on these things, so that those who have come to believe in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works; these things are excellent and profitable to everyone. But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. After a first and second admonition, have nothing more to do with anyone who causes divisions, since you know that such a person is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned. When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Make every effort to send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way, and see that they lack nothing. And let people learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet urgent needs, so that they may not be unproductive. All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you."
The first thing that jumps out at me is the phrase "have nothing more to do with anyone who causes divisions." I am distraught by those who want to break apart the body of Christ. I am heartbroken over folks who say, "I have no need of you because you... don't think like I do... or worship like I do... or read scripture like I do." Those that are causing divisions or schisms in the community over things that none of us understand.
The letter of Paul to Titus seems like a lot of behavioral instructions, almost seeming to say, "make sure you walk the walk" not just "talk the talk." If we are worried about how we are walking the walk then the stupid controversies and quarrels about the law are no longer a reason for schism. If we are worried about devoting ourselves to good works (in response to the grace and salvation that we have received in Jesus through water and rebirth) then there is no time for condemning each other. We are in a relationship with each other because we occupying the same planet, so I'm not sure the phrase means literally have nothing to do with them, but rather do not let them affect your faith.
In this passage, I feel that we are called to unity in Christ Jesus. To be the hands and feet of the body of Christ... I feel that we are called to the action of being ambassadors for Christ in the way we live our lives... the way that we walk the walk.
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