“This message is most trustworthy, and concerning these things I want you to insist steadfastly, so that those who have believed in (trusted in, relied on) God may be careful to apply themselves to honorable occupations and to doing good, for such things are [not only] excellent and right [in themselves], but [they are] good and profitable for the people.” Titus 3:8 [AMP] -> me: The ‘concerning these things’ Paul wants Titus to insist on is – being submissive to rulers and authorities, being obedient, ready for any honest work, speaking evil of no one, avoiding quarreling, being gentle, and showing perfect courtesy toward everyone. So who is Paul telling Titus to say this to? Christians!! We can be jerks and Paul has to emphatically tell Titus to teach that followers of Jesus Christ must operate in this way so that when they apply themselves to their work or doing good work for others, there can be no hypocrisy cited. It just struck me how much sin still has every opportunity take hold in a professing Christian, so we must devote ourselves to living out the values mentioned above. This is not easy – it takes an active power of the Holy Spirit to help us see these failings so that we can adjust. That power is activated through a continuous searching of God’s will in our lives through consistent prayer and being in the word of God (psst. Paul also teaches this a ton in his letters). So, when I look at my own life, measured against these commands; I have work to do.
Our Family WordPress Blog