-Can you think of a time that you got into an argument over something small and unimportant?

• Spouse
• Child
• Coworker
• Family member

-What was it about?

Recently argued with wife about what ice-cream to get. Ben and Jerry’s was $4.50 but a different brand she didn’t like was $3.99, became an argument when really, I should have just let my wife be happy with her Ben and Jerry’s and spend the extra $0.51.

This was an unimportant and meaningless argument and also changed the whole mood of the shopping visit for a good 2-3 minutes. We both got over it and she got what she wanted.

WHAT WAS THE POINT?!

Other examples:

• Could be about upcoming election-Argue over rules and regulations that really don’t affect our daily lives.
• Could be about how the refs lost the game for Iowa State or the Vikings-Coulda, woulda, shoulda…
• Could be about what to eat for supper-Just pick something and get it done!

-So many stupid arguments we have in our lives!

-What triggers us to feel the need to be right even if we are wrong, and about meaningless topics?

-Not saying to be a pushover, or agree with everyone else - be strong in your views and stand up for what’s right, etc. However, knowing the difference between morals and meaningless quarrels is important!

A quick Google search (not my own words): “Paul wrote Timothy to advise his coworker Timothy about issues in the church in Ephesus. False teachers are the main cause for the letter. Their teaching apparently involved incorrect assumptions about the law.”

2 Timothy 2:22-26 (NIV) - Paul’s letter to Timothy regarding the church and its incorrect teachings and misbehaviors: “Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the trust, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”

Source from Google (not my own words): “Debates are foolish and vain if they bring no glory to God and no direction to man. … A doctrinal discussion is useless if it does not edify, for Scripture is profitable. Therefore, leaving "fruitless questions" and "empty speculations," we must "meditate upon those things that make for edification." But some draw distinctions that make no difference.”

-Be aware of arguments with no merit or meaning in the future.

-How can we show our “opponents” gentle instruction? How can we avoid meaningless quarrels?

-Use the rule: "Is this going to matter in 24 hours?" If it is, then it may be right to put effort, time, and energy into the situation. If not, let it go!

-Don’t spend time and energy wrestling with people over unimportant and meaningless debate or quarrels. Ask God for help if this is an issue for you! He knows everyone's hearts.