Head vs. Heart

Scripture:
“Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish law.” Titus 3:9
 
Observation:
Head knowledge is not as important as the condition of our heart. In verse 14 of chapter 3, Paul places a challenge before Titus, he states “Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive.”  The book of Titus is a letter Paul wrote to give Titus advice on selecting church leaders and encouraging him to teach and live in a godly manner. During this time Titus was struggling to teach leaders to get beyond the laws and look to the needs of people.
 
Application:
I often find my greatest struggle in this area is dealing with my brother. It takes no time for him to begin his “show of you Bible knowledge” routine when we embark on a serious discussion about life. It used to frustrate me that he could live a life totally apart from God and yet talk about God as if he knew him intimately. I could quickly get caught up in a heated debate. At one point God rebuked me for my words and showed me that instead of allowing my brother to see God in me, I was just doing the same thing he was. The reality was my brother did know God and instead of trying to prove him wrong just because his life was not what I thought it should be, I should have been a willing vessel for God to use. God challenged me to meet some needs in my brother’s life and instead of arguing theology, to just share my heart. I have seen and am continuing to see God do a mighty work in the life of my brother. We have to stop and remember that it’s not what we know but who we know lives in us.
 
Prayer:
God fill my heart with wisdom and knowledge from you. My desire is to know you more and to be able to share you with many. Stir in me and guide me so I can know when to use your words and when to show your love.