Busybody? Or Busy Building The Body? – Titus 3:8-11

Have you ever found yourself caught up in church drama? Maybe it was an argument over the color of the carpet or a heated debate about music styles. As a pastor, I’ve seen how these seemingly small issues can divide congregations and distract us from our true purpose. Today, I want to challenge you to consider: Are you a busybody, or are you busy building the body of Christ?

The Profitable vs. The Unprofitable

In Titus 3:8-9, the Apostle Paul draws a stark contrast between what’s profitable for the church and what’s not. He writes:

“This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.”

Let’s break this down and see how it applies to our lives today.

1. Profitable: Being Busy Building the Body

Paul emphasizes that believers should “be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.” This isn’t about earning our salvation – we’re saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Rather, it’s about living out our faith in practical ways that benefit others and glorify God.

As believers, we’re empowered by the Holy Spirit to make a difference. Whether you’re serving in the nursery, greeting visitors, running the sound system, or using any other gift God has given you, you’re contributing to building up the body of Christ.

2. Unprofitable: Being a Busybody

In contrast, Paul warns against several behaviors that cause division and distraction:

A) Debating things that don’t matter

Paul uses the Greek word “moros” (where we get “moronic”) to describe foolish controversies. While some issues are worth discussing, we need to be careful not to get bogged down in pointless arguments that don’t build up the church.

B) Finding ways to elevate ourselves

The mention of “genealogies” likely refers to people trying to prove their superiority based on their heritage. In Christ, we’re all equal, regardless of our background.

C) Acting in the flesh, not the Spirit

“Dissensions” or “contentions” describe conflicts that arise from our sinful nature. As believers, we’re called to live by the Spirit, not by our fleshly impulses (Galatians 5:16-17).

D) Arguing about traditions

While traditions can be good, we must be careful not to elevate them above Scripture or use them to create unnecessary divisions.

Responding to Division

So how should we respond when someone is causing division in the church? Paul gives clear instructions in Titus 3:10-11:

1. Warn them: Lovingly confront the person causing division.
2. Be patient: Give them a chance to understand and change.
3. If necessary, reject them: If they persist in divisive behavior, it may be necessary to limit their influence.

Living in Unity

As your pastor, I want to encourage you to focus on what truly matters. Let’s not get caught up in arguments about Bible translations, music styles, or dress codes. Instead, let’s unite around the gospel and our mission to make disciples.

Life Application: Building Up, Not Tearing Down

1. Check your heart: Are you more concerned with being right or with loving others?
2. Use your gifts: Find ways to serve and build up the church body.
3. Promote unity: Look for common ground with other believers, even when you disagree on minor issues.
4. Address division lovingly: If you see someone causing division, approach them gently and Biblically.
5. Focus on the essentials: Keep the main thing the main thing – loving God and loving others.

Remember, as Ephesians 4:2-3 exhorts us: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Let’s commit to being busy building the body of Christ, not being busybodies who tear it down. As we do, we’ll see God work in powerful ways through His unified church.