2 Timothy 2:14KJV

14Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

This is a very important verse. In it we have a word to the wise about those that would use words and semantics to subvert the weak and unstable.

Those that strive over words and subjects that do not matter.

This verse is followed by:

2 Timothy 2:15-16King James Version (KJV)

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

Paul has sandwiched this verse (15) between 2 verses about words, semantics, vain babblings.

This is called one of the pastoral epistles in which Paul is giving Timothy the guidelines to a successful ministry.

We can take this verse and apply it to any ministry though and not just to the pastorate.

We ,the mature christians, must take this verse and apply it to our own lives. We are not to be arguing about the color of the carpet, the length of the altar, the silly and inane stuff we sometimes get caught up in.

We are to be holding fast to the doctrine of Christ, we are to be strong in His Word, Quick to listen, slow to speak, giving righteous God directed advice and testimonies.

We are not to split the church over an opinion or an idea. We are not to be contentious if we disagree with a fellow servant if their not being detrimental to the ministry. We are to be strong in the Word, faithful to the Gospel. Doctrinally sound and wise only in the Word of God, not in our own understanding.

Too many times we have an idea or a "cause" that we feel is too good or too right. Unless that cause is Christ and His Gospel - it is of no moment.

Pick your battles wisely. Make sure that what you are standing for is the Word the Gospel. That the example you are showing is the example Christ gave.

He led by word and by deed. He did not argue with the Pharisees, He used scripture to define them and to rebuke them. He was God and He Rested on the power of the Scripture to build up, edify, teach and rebuke. He refused to be caught in their specious arguments, in their trivialities. If Christ so used the scripture to reinforce what He did and said, how much more must we do so?

Restrict your teaching, your advice and your opinion to only that which is based scripturally and avoid the contentions and silliness that come from man.

We all have our moments of pride and our pet causes. Do not let them become your focus.

Keep your focus on God and His Holy Word.