Apply Yourself to Good Deeds
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Titus 3:1-8
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.
Well, I don’t know about you, but I still find myself falling in to all the behaviors and attitudes Titus is reminded to avoid! I guess in a perfect world, I could live up to this standard of living. If only the “authorities” I voted for won elections, and then did only what I wanted them to do. . . If my boss would give me a raise every year, and promote me often, and always thank me for my hard work, and give me the credit for the work I did . . . If my husband always did what I asked him to do – immediately – and in exactly in the way I envision . . . If my kids adored me and obeyed me instantly and with joy. If evil people never did evil acts . . . I think I’ve more than made my point!
I am still sometimes foolish and disobedient in the choices and decisions I make. I am much too easily and readily led astray from what God intends me to do – because it’s too hard – and it requires me to trust HIM-not myself, not the world. I am judgmental and susceptible to yielding to various desires and pleasures way too often and with too much facility. You may not have any of these shortcomings . . . come on – surely you admit to at least one! And it’s okay. I mean, it’s not, but you and I are both made righteous in our sinfulness. Praise God for His mercy and grace!
I guess the only difference between those who are saved and those who are not, is that we know we’re wretched and broken, and also beloved and precious. I can’t think of a higher honor or a more compelling reason to attempt to live as Jesus commanded and demonstrated for us. Paul, if anyone ever did, understood what it meant to be saved! He was unusual though, in that he relished and even welcomed hardship, imprisonment, and ultimately crucifixion because of his faith. That faith was so important and precious to him, he didn’t care what he was forced to endure on this earth, in this life. He was so full of gratitude and abject humility at being chosen by God, he was so thankful and felt so much joy and was in such awe of his own salvation, he wanted everyone to share in his joy and gratitude—and even more—his hope!
I’ve been awake just about 2 hours and I’ve already blown it! Wow. Have I got work to do on myself! I’m going to try to start anew, right now, as I prepare for work and go out into the world. It will be even more challenging once I go out my front door—but I’m going to attempt to live up to Paul’s exhortations and be “careful to apply [myself] to good deeds.”
My prayer today is that you relish your status as an heir in the hope of eternal life. And that you strive to live in the way Jesus taught and modeled.
Mary
