Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Taking life seriously
M.C. Varughese
Epiphany MTC, NY
12 Training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions,
and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and
godly.
" Take life easy, eat, drink and be merry" (Luke 12.19). The present day philosophy of life is not different from that of the rich fool in Jesus' parable. Is your commitment to Christ more than an opinion, a way of thinking or a life style? As believers we have to live in this world as witnesses of the Gospel.
In today's devotional passage, Paul instructs Titus to teach the Church at Crete what is in accord with sound doctrine. Titus was a gentile who came to faith in Jesus Christ. He was young and had a great capacity for human affection and compassion. He possessed both strength and tact. He was a good model for Christians. (2 Cor. 7 & 8). Titus was entrusted the leadership of the Church at Crete. Cretan culture had many pagan gods. Idle chatter, empty promises and lies were part of their culture. The believers of the church at Crete came from this background. The members of the Church were insubordinate, rebellious and hard to silence. Paul had a message for every age group; older men, older women, young men and women and the slaves.
Paul instructs Titus to teach and enforce upright Christian values based on the doctrine of our Savior Jesus Christ. Titus had to deal with faith, morality and self control among the church members. Believer’s behavior and relationships were not in conformity with the church doctrine. Because of this, Paul had reason to be concerned. He reminds Titus that we are saved by God's Grace, "unmerited favor", God's riches at Christ's expense. Therefore it is the duty of every believer to live for the sake of the Gospel.
" Take life easy, eat, drink and be merry" (Luke 12.19). The present day philosophy of life is not different from that of the rich fool in Jesus' parable. Is your commitment to Christ more than an opinion, a way of thinking or a life style? As believers we have to live in this world as witnesses of the Gospel.
In today's devotional passage, Paul instructs Titus to teach the Church at Crete what is in accord with sound doctrine. Titus was a gentile who came to faith in Jesus Christ. He was young and had a great capacity for human affection and compassion. He possessed both strength and tact. He was a good model for Christians. (2 Cor. 7 & 8). Titus was entrusted the leadership of the Church at Crete. Cretan culture had many pagan gods. Idle chatter, empty promises and lies were part of their culture. The believers of the church at Crete came from this background. The members of the Church were insubordinate, rebellious and hard to silence. Paul had a message for every age group; older men, older women, young men and women and the slaves.
Paul instructs Titus to teach and enforce upright Christian values based on the doctrine of our Savior Jesus Christ. Titus had to deal with faith, morality and self control among the church members. Believer’s behavior and relationships were not in conformity with the church doctrine. Because of this, Paul had reason to be concerned. He reminds Titus that we are saved by God's Grace, "unmerited favor", God's riches at Christ's expense. Therefore it is the duty of every believer to live for the sake of the Gospel.
How is this message relevant to us today? "Out of order",
when we see that sign on the restroom door, or on an elevator or at the ATM ,
we are disappointed and sometimes frustrated. What if a country, a church or a
family is not in order? In our present culture, man is considered as a
commodity. Personal relationships are at its lowest rating.
Relationship, between husband and wife, parents and children, even among
members of the Church, are not in accordance with the word of God.
Divorce rates are on the rise. Corruption is at its peak everywhere.
Morality is at its lowest. There is no standard for right and wrong. Do
we speak absolute truth among ourselves? Today's passage is the prescription
for our spiritual health. Believers should take life seriously and
maintain it according to sound doctrine.
Right doctrine produces right living. God's people must be people of truth and absolute integrity. Christians are not asked to run away from the world, but while in the world, we have to live a life worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are to live an integrated and harmonious life in a plural society. We need to ensure that our lifestyle do not unnecessarily offend and alienate the unbelievers. We have to remember that anything we say or do will have an effect on others for good or for evil. Paul urges Titus to protect, promote and practice the truth of the Gospel as witnesses of the Gospel. Our light must shine among men so that others, seeing our good works, may glorify our Heavenly Father.
Right doctrine produces right living. God's people must be people of truth and absolute integrity. Christians are not asked to run away from the world, but while in the world, we have to live a life worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are to live an integrated and harmonious life in a plural society. We need to ensure that our lifestyle do not unnecessarily offend and alienate the unbelievers. We have to remember that anything we say or do will have an effect on others for good or for evil. Paul urges Titus to protect, promote and practice the truth of the Gospel as witnesses of the Gospel. Our light must shine among men so that others, seeing our good works, may glorify our Heavenly Father.
PRAYER
Almighty God, our heavenly
Father, we thank You for Your son and our Savior Jesus Christ through whom we
have been redeemed, reconciled and given eternal life. Help us to live a holy,
upright Christian life for the sake of the Gospel. In Jesus name we pray.
Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
“Our pursuit of godly behavior is our grateful response to
God's Mercy and Grace.”