Christian Participation in Nation Building
Titus 3:1-11
v1-2 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show every courtesy to everyone.
In today’s world, it is so easy to get lost in the overload of information communicated by the media, circulating on social media and often just present in everyday conversations. We have leaders at the local, state and national levels who have become polarizing figures, gaining fervent supporters and strong opposition alike. As Christians, when we see all these things happening, what is our role?
Throughout the bible, it is clear that as Christians we are called to be holy – set apart. We are reminded that we are God’s chosen people and should act accordingly. Titus 3: 1-11 perfectly outlines what we should do when we see people clinging on to the things of this world. There are key reminders throughout the passage, and fittingly begins with an important one – “to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” More importantly, we are reminded of who we were before we found Christ and the transformative nature that He has on those who believe in Him. But the key reminder here is that it is not anything that we have done, but it is solely by the grace and mercy of God that we have been saved. The passage then ends by telling us to “avoid foolish controversies […] and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.”
What is most important is what we do with these reminders. It is easy for us to accept these things for ourselves, but are we actively sharing the good news and carrying out the great commission Jesus set out for his followers? Or are we getting involved in “arguments and quarrels about the law,” not realizing that the true guide we should be following is the Word of God? We should be involved in helping build this nation on Christ, not pouring fuel on the fire that will burn it down.
PRAYER
Father, allow us to be people who help build the nation and not tear it down due to our sins and selfishness.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
When we show the love of God through our actions, pray for our leaders, promote peace, and avoid fruitless and divisive conversations, we embody what it means to be a Christian in today’s world.
Alex Mathew, Long Island MTC, NY
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church | 
