Thinking and discussing is good - if people are focussed on what is true and are discussing how best to do it.  But after that, we need to move from the debate to the action.  1st century Ephesus was a major trading hub and also a centre of intellectual excellence.  As in every large Roman city, a large amphitheatre attracted thousands to watch drama and hear speakers talk about the latest philosophical ideas (Acts 17:16-21).  But when the Apostle Paul taught there for two years, he explained that Jesus is the only Way into a relationship with the One God (John 14:6).   Christians were called ‘Followers of the Way’ (Acts 19:8-10) who lived out what Jesus taught.

However, the new believers still carried godless myths and folklore: having once believed in them, they had to turn away from them and learn a whole new lifestyle (Ephesians 5:11).  Moving away from an idea that has been held in the family is often difficult.  If we change our patterns and habits of life, those close to us may feel that we are rejecting them.  But when we come to Christ, we cannot hold onto what displeases Him – or we cannot be true to Him (Ephesians 5:10).

Following Jesus is to concentrate on doing the truth (2 Corinthians 13:8), developing a pattern of life which pleases Him as we serve and love those around us.  In the same way that physical training develops strength in muscles, fine tunes coordination and builds mental resilience so that the body is equipped to excel in sport, so it is spiritually necessary to train our hearts and wills to conform our lives to that of Jesus Christ.  As with physical training, we may experience the pain of separation from our old style of living, until the new way of life is established in us and becomes normal.
 
The internet and social media provide an infinite number of opportunities to become fascinated by ideas.  How do we know which are true and which are false?  It is not what we think that matters, but what God says is true.  His Word enables us to separate truth from error in the world around us.  But we can waste much time thinking and discussing things which have no eternal value, time which is better spent in training ourselves to do the things we know to be true from the Bible.  Going to a gym may help us be physically fitter until we die, but living for Jesus equips us for life now and for eternity.  So, let’s stop debating foolish things and start a regular practice of doing what will please the Lord.