A Divided Church

In the final chapter of Titus, Paul discusses the beauty of gospel-centered living in a section called: “Saved in Order to Do Good.”

He urges Titus to impress on the people of Crete that those who have been justified through faith are called to use their new freedom to devote themselves to carrying out his work in the world. He closes this section by saying,

But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.
- Titus 3:9-11

Paul circles back to the original issue he was addressing: false teaching in Crete. He knew people would spend time quarreling over small issues, creating fake Old Testament genealogies, and ultimately creating division in the body of Christ. He encourages Titus to correct that behavior. And if effective church discipline doesn’t change the false teachers, let them go.

Phew! I read this and felt a sucker punch to the gut.

In 2022, it seems like contemporary Christian culture needs these four sentences plastered on every billboard, sermon series, and Instagram ad.

It’s uncomfortable to think about how relevant Paul’s words are to us today. Their story is our story, we are awfully similar to the people of Crete. Wrapped up in false teaching, watered-down doctrine, and foolish quarrels. The people of Crete were arguing over genealogies; we cancel neighbors and block friends over votes cast in worldly elections. Crete allowed false teaching; we pick and choose the biblical truths we want to apply when they’re most convenient for us.

Their story is our story. Paul’s words were written for Crete, but God can use them with us.

Christ died so that through his work on the cross, we would have the freedom to do good in this world. He wants us to use our new identity to make his loving-kindness known to the whole world. And yet we waste our new-found freedom, arguing, dividing, and ultimately leaving nonbelievers with a distaste in their mouths when they hear the name, Jesus. What grief it brings my heart, when I feel like I have to preface the fact that I work at a church with, “But I don’t hate gay people and I’m not here to judge you.”

Church, why have we become known as the judgmental ones?

Why do we point fingers outside of our walls and ignore the sin living in our own homes? Why do we get lost in foolish quarrels when we could instead proclaim the truth in love?

I’m not here to point a finger at you. Instead, friend, I’m here to raise my hand with you. Yes, I am guilty of being just like the people of Crete. It’s easier for me to ignore my sin, point a finger, and lose myself in foolish quarrels. But our Heavenly Father is inviting us to a higher calling. We are saved by grace. Let's use our freedom to do good in the world. Let’s proclaim truth in love. Let’s open our arms to the people who have been hurt by the shrapnel of a frequently divisive faith.

We can change the story. We can use our freedom for good. It starts with surrendering our selfish desires and letting God lead. Are you ready for a new way? I am.

Cristina Schmitter

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