“God has shown us how kind
he is by coming to save all people. He taught us to give up our wicked ways and
our worldly desires and to live decent and honest lives in this world.” Titus 2:11-12
The
Apostle Paul wrote this to Titus, whom he left on the Isle of Crete. Crete was and is the largest and most
populous of the Greek Islands. Titus was
left there to “do what had been left
undone and to appoint leaders for the churches in each town”. (Titus 1:5) Paul was giving Titus instructions for the
various groups on Crete.
Here we see the Apostle telling of the great kindness God
showed by saving all people through His Son.
When on earth Jesus spoke of giving up wicked ways and worldly desires
in favor of decency and honesty. How
does this translate to us today?
Even though believers today don’t live like the world, they do
live in it. We are all buffeted daily by worldly
temptations to do that which is contrary to what God’s word teaches us. Just as the Cretans of old, we must recognize
God’s supreme sacrifice to save us from our own sinful behavior and turn from
all wicked thought, speech and actions.
We will stand before Christ’s Mercy Seat one day (the unsaved will face
the White Throne Judgment of God) and give an account of the lives we’ve lived
in Christ. What have we done with the
second chance that was given to us? Did
we squander our days involved in nonessential endeavors or did we acknowledge
our Lord daily with a godly lifestyle?
It’s not difficult or restrictive to serve God. All God desires for us is to live lives that
are decent and honest in this world of deceit and dishonor. With the guidance and wisdom of His Holy
Spirit, we can accomplish anything in the name of Christ. Once we receive forgiveness we should desire
to make a 180-degree turn and walk away from that which we once did. The Spirit enables us to do just that;
however, we must desire for this transformation to take place. Stay focused on the goodness of God and live
for Him consistently. Until next time,
walk with the King and be a blessing!
