Doing What is Good
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Titus 2:11-15. 3:1-11
11. For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men, 12. training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world, 13. awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14. who gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. 15. Declare these things; exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you. 3:1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for any honest work, 2. to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all men. 3. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by men and hating one another; 4. but when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5. he saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, 6. which he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7. so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life. 8. The saying is sure. I desire you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men. 9. But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. 10. As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11. knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned.
From my notes it is apparent that Titus was a strong leader in the Christian communities to which Paul sent him. In chapter 2, Paul has detailed what is to be taught to various groups in terms of behavior and attitude.
The heart of the matter is that behavior that is correct and proper is not enough. Our attitude in behaving correctly is more important. Because people see how we act – and our attitude and use that as their basis for how Christians conduct their lives. It’s a big responsibility to live as an example to others. And not just at church – but especially “in the world!”
It’s so much easier to behave as a “good Christian” at church, surrounded by others who at least operate from the same starting point we do. It’s much more challenging to be a light and an example to those who don’t share our faith. It’s not enough to be a “good church member.” We must be “good” members of society at large—good neighbors, willing servants, informed voters, dedicated parents, obedient children—setting ourselves apart from those who are corrupt, sinful, evil, unsaved. Though we must continue to pray for them and continue to be an example to them. And we must seize any opportunity to preach the Good News to them.
It may not make us popular. It may not make us rich. But the only recognition and reward for which we should be striving is that of eternal life in heaven. After all, we didn’t earn that promise! It was given to us. No questions asked; no holds barred! How can we live any other way than in gratitude and awe and obedience?!
Once we are saved, everything changes! Life is never the same again! It is one hundred times harder; yet one hundred times easier. Because once we are saved, we have no doubt what is the right and good and noble thing to do in every situation. The only challenge is to do what is right and good and noble—and rely upon God to give us the wisdom and courage to lived like we’re saved!
I hope you spend your day mending fences within your church and seeking out those who have not heard the truth in your larger community; doing what is good and right and noble.
Mary
