These Things

I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. (Titus 3:8, NIV 1984).

My Musings – What are “these things” that Paul wanted to stress? These things that mattered so much?

Remind the people to be…ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men. (Titus 3:1–2, NIV 1984).

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. (Titus 3:3, NIV 1984).

He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. (Titus 3:5, NIV 1984).

Those foolish, disobedient people around us who are enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. Those living a life of malice, envy and hatred. They are us, not so very long ago. We were not saved because of our merit or because of the righteous things we had done. We were saved because of His mercy and grace. Absent that, we would still be “those people.” We are no more deserving than they, and they are no less deserving than we.

My Advice – So, be ready to do good to them. Be considerate and peaceable, not slanderers. Show humility to them, because we have no more reason for being prideful than they are. Who knows, an act of kindness and grace from us could just be what turns them to Christ. We certainly do not want to be a stumbling-block.

Inspired by Pastor Nate Miller’s sermon on June 6, 2021.