Dealing w/ Disagreements #3: Nitpicking

First of all, I apologize for the ridiculously long title. I couldn't find a way to shorten it. 

Second, this is the third article in a series of articles on the different kinds of disagreements and divisions that might occur in the local church and how a different response ought to be implemented depending on the nature of the disagreement. Click here to access the first article, at the end of which is a link to the second article, and so forth.

Nitpicking is defined by the Encarta dictionary as "trivial, detailed, and often unjustified fault-finding," or more accurately (for our purposes in this article), "annoying criticisms about small unimportant details." The Bible portrays nitpicking (and it's effects) this way:

"As I urged you when I went into Macedonia - remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith" (1 Tim. 1:3-4).

"If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions..." (1 Tim. 6:3-4).

"Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers" (2 Tim. 2:14).

"But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless..." (Titus 3:9).

While we ought to always take a stand for the truth (Jude 3), the Scriptures consistently teach us that there are many things not worth arguing about. In the passages listed above, Paul says that we ought not argue about fables, endless genealogies, and strivings about the law. He also tells us not to engage in "arguments over words." Why? Because these types of debates have no spiritual benefit, are a waste of time, and do nothing but erect unnecessary barriers between otherwise like-minded brethren.

Have you ever experienced a Bible class where brethren argued to the point of contention about purely academic details? Have you ever seen two Christians clash over the intepretation of a word, or even a verse, all the while wondering why or how such a point is relevent? Have you ever heard someone object to a sermon, an invitation, or a prayer over some insignificant detail, or the phrasing of a point? Have you ever looked in hindsight at an argument and then thought, "Boy, was that silly"?

In other words, have you ever seen brethren "nitpick" at each other and at the Scriptures? If so (and I'm sure you have), then you've also probably seen the effects of such nitpicking; you've seen brethren get red in the face, raise their voices, rush to judgment, level accusations hastily, and divide...all over some small point that has little if any practical relevence. And you've probably also seen the new Christians, the young Christians, and even the mature, peace-loving Christians all discouraged by the ungodly quarreling between brethren who ought to know better.

Listen, the Bible is full of relevent information. Each page contains lessons for us. And yes, each verse is there for a reason. So I'm not suggesting that we sit by idly while brethren misinterpret parts of God's word. All I'm saying - all that Paul is saying - is that while some things are worth pursuing, other things are not worth pursuing; while some things are worth arguing about, other things are not worth arguing about.

And yes, to some extent, we have to use our judgment here (which requires wisdom).

And yes, we will sometimes disagree on what is and what isn't worth arguing about.

But let's have patience with one another. And when we disagree - if we disagree - let's do so with the right attitude. As Paul says in 2 Timothy 2:24...

"And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel, but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient."

Don't nitpick. Don't be argumentative. Don't raise trivial questions and pursue academic debates just for the thrill of it. Instead, have the wisdom to take a stand where you must, and to compromise and/or exhibit forbearance where you can.

Click here to access the fourth article in this series...