”Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone. Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But— When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone. Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them. I am planning to send either Artemas or Tychicus to you. As soon as one of them arrives, do your best to meet me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to stay there for the winter. Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos with their trip. See that they are given everything they need. Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive. Everybody here sends greetings. Please give my greetings to the believers—all who love us. May God’s grace be with you all.“
Titus 3:1-15 NLT
The purpose of Christian leadership is to enable the Body of Christ to operate as Christ would act on earth. This is done through submission, order and love of God on body, mind and spirit. It is a matter of character and develops a fruit of harmony. This is why a congregation that quibbles and quarrels is one that shames Christ. Likewise, a congregant who is quarrelsome is a problem. It is not the act but the character. Paul makes it clear that there are certain things that are worth division. In fact, dividing over a quarrelsome attitude is one of them. There must be discernment about the fruit of argument. We must ask if there is purpose behind a specific argument or if it is more of an inclination that drives conflict. If we value unity, order, love and polity first, then this will be easy to achieve. But if we value rules and our own achievements over those, then we will inevitably cause division from conflict. This is not acceptable. Our heart must be towards others and the best way to reorient it is to focus on becoming a benefit to others. By trusting leadership, focusing on simple ways to help and practicing humble silence, division will subside and we can learn how we individually fit in amongst a diverse people.
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